2005 Ford Mustang: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Nov 22, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · 170,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on a rainy night, the headlights started flickering. The contact stated that upon exiting the freeway, while driving 30 MPH, the headlights completely turned off and the hazard lights were inoperable. The contact drove to the nearest gas station and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Oct 14, 2021 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · NE

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that one day after a rainstorm she noticed several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable due to the water leaking into the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, there was water leaking into the interior of the dashboard. There was also water coming out of the driver’s side front air vent and the interior lighting in the vehicle from the interior module and center console. The lights were flickering on and off. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer however, the dealer was not able to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Dec 23, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 157,000 miles · CT

There is an apparent design flaw in 2005 mustangs as I have read hundreds of similar complaints as to what I am experiencing. Due to this design flaw after a recent day of heavy rain 1 headlight and 1 signal light will not turn off once the car has been shut off. I researched and apparently the smart junction box (sjb) got wet and the electrical unit is now malfunctioning. There was also a strong burning smell when I got home that night as well. Spoke with an online mechanic technician and he confirmed that the sjb needs to be replaced. There has been a long history of the car leaking on the passenger side whenever it rains due to the design flaw. Also my gas gauge never reads properly, inside lights are also dim/off and the check engine light has been going on and off for nearly a year and my mechanic could not diagnose why the reviews online said when they spoke to ford that admitted that it was a known problem but because there has been no recall that they will not repair this for free. Estimates I read put the cost around $1000 to get this fixed and do not want to pay that kind of money especially when ford admits to knowing there is a problem. I am hopeful that we can get ford to do the right thing and issue a recall for this. It is a serious problem since the electrical system can cause a fire from reports I have read. This happened to meet on 12/21/18. I was driving home from work and parked the car and shut it off. As I locked the car I noticed that the drivers side headlight and passenger side signal light stayed on and I had to disconnect the battery to make them shut off. Also there was a strong burning odor when I lifted the hood.

Filed May 27, 2016 · Electrical · 78,000 miles · IL

Had the airbag replaced/ weeks later had the "faulty seal" problem followed by the "sjm " box (smart junction box) destroyed by the water damage due to faulty seal. Now the sjm is on backorder until aug. 2016. Seal already replaced in march/2016 when order placed for sjb. Researching the problem there are thousands of complaints regaurding 05-07 mustang models. Due to make design. Unfortunately, resulting in window motor failure, battery drain, headlights stuck on high beams, turn signals stuck on, insturment cluster malfunction and dash lights fail. I have searched for any recall information and civil suite/ class action. The dangers and the numbers are clear, ford needs to be investigated on this matter. The ford customers deserve to be compensated for their losses and damages. Especially in the case of individuals whom are waiting for the sjm box to be manufactured due to shortage of materials.

Filed Dec 17, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 89,000 miles · CO

Defect in under cowl drainage leads to rainwater leaking into passenger compartment. Water drains down wiring harness into the smart junction box casing electrical shorts that at first caused the right headlamp to shutdown after 15 seconds. Recycling the headlight switch brings the headlight back on for another 15 seconds. This condition renders the vehicle unsafe to operate from sunset to sunrise. Now the drivers side headlamp has begun the same problem. I checked online and it is apparent that this is a significant safety issue for which the vehicle manufacturer has no part available to fix. They initially informed me that the smj would be available to purchase last september. That has now been pushed back to february of 2016. They want over $400 for the part plus additional labor to program and install a component that should have been recalled years ago. This problem is already covered under a tsb and the defect can cause a multitude of malfunctions that could easily result in life threatening situations. I just recently checked and found over 286 reports on file with the federal safety agency, yet no apparent investigations appear to have been conducted, nor a recall. It is my sincer hope that the federal safety agency is not waiting for a body count before taking action. Http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/2005-2010-mustang-talk/301555-pics-vid-2005-dash-water-leak-fix.html#/forumsite/20799/topics/301555?page=1 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rwsgwtizix5qu_tgsnhlx4mwgnsuji-zs6pjwsa_sre/mobilebasic?pli=1

Filed Sep 4, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 85,000 miles · WI

After a light rain I noticed water dripping into the passenger side kick plate/glove box area. Car would not start. Had it towed to dealer. Started next day and could not replicate problem. Next day, same problem. Water noticeable in passenger compartment. Shook smart junction box and notice water leaking out. Car started and stopped when sjb shaken. Took to dealer. Replaced sjb for $750. Month later same issue, this time car shut off while driving on freeway in rain. Loss of all control, electrical and power. Could not restart. Pounded on sjb and eventually started. Got it back home. Now brakes lights, turn signal, headlights, A/C and display panel not operating. I am surprised that someone has not been killed yet. In trying to solve this issue, it appears that the internet is fully of the same stories. Sickening.

Filed Jul 12, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 30,000 miles · CA

The car was coasting and then just completely turned off reducing steering and braking ability at least 50% until I could come to a complete stop, turn off the ignition, then restart it again. Since then this has happened at least 5 times, 4 in the last week! My totally trustworthy mechanic did a diagnostic test and found no failures besides the fact that the fuel gauge hasn't worked in years, the speedometer doesn't always tell me the speed, the gas tank shuts off before filling up, the head lights and interior lights have stayed on after turning off the car and hasn't turned off after it's rained. The RPM seems to be the problem for why the engine turns off when they are too low. There used to be a jerky problem during acceleration when the car would shoot forward then back off a couple times before returning to a more steady acceleration. I would consider this vehicle a complete lemon and threat to the safety of me and anybody else on the road but since the warranty period is over and it's been taken to a mechanic I don't have any other options besides reporting it to you, I really wish there was some way this problem could be solved and I'm certain many other owners of this same vehicle are dealing with the same problem.

Filed Apr 6, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 92,549 miles · LA

Water got to fuse box made headlights go off and flooded passenger side of car.

Filed Dec 20, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 40,000 miles · CA · fire

I was driving at night at around 30mph when everything electrical went dead in my car including headlights and dashboard but the engine was still running. I was able to drive the car home but could not start it the next morning. Had to flat bed it to the dealership where they told me the whole computer system failed and had to be replaced. This happened 3 more time since then. Each time I was charged $3000 to have it replaced. It shouldn't happen once let alone 3 times. Another recent problem, my engine caught fire causing everything on the left side of my car to be replaced. Ford denied any "real problems they could find". Also had my gas tank replaced twice because it wouldn't fill up. And to add to everything, my gearshift needs to be replaced because a little plastic piece that hides the holes when u shift up or down, broke. $600 estimate at ford. As well as my engine smoking after driving for 2 hours at 65-70 MPH. Do not buy a ford. Iv'e spent over $12k fixing the problems that I never caused. Ford refused to pay a dime or take any responsibility. Too many problems causing unsafe situations for me as well as other drivers and pedestrians around me. *tr ## VIN failed ##

Filed Dec 13, 2012 · Body, Electrical · FL

First thing that happened with my car was the two inches of water it started taking in every time it rains. Then the RPM gauge and speedometer went; never can tell how fast I am going (real safe). Next went the gas and temp gauges. Now it rained again a few days ago (12/2012) and I have no working locks, windows, radio or headlights along with water in my floorboard. Ford needs to fix these problems that the 2005 mustang has with it. These are not safe driving conditions and it looks like I am not the only one with these problems. I will not pay $3000 to fix their mistake. I will spend that money on a lawyer against ford before I pay for their mistake. They need to do a recall and fix this. I had to get my car towed last night because I had no headlights. The tow truck driver said that my car was the fourth mustang he had to tow that night!!!

Filed May 9, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 103,000 miles · OH

There is a manufacturer's defect that allows water leakage into the instrument panel/smart box junction and subsequently into the vehicle itself. Resultant issues include the inability to drive the vehicle (frozen shift), electrical failure with loss of instruments including various gauges, brake lights, ventilation/AC, power windows, and headlights, and physical water damage (mold/mildew). Ford is aware of the defect and later models were redesigned to compensate for the flaw. However, ford refuses to issue a recall or acknowledge the deficiency, nor will they provide any kind of financial assistance with the necessary repairs directly caused by this defect. Should the mustang experience the above mentioned electrical failures while being driven, an accident could occur. There are numerous similar incidents reported about this exact same issue, and ford must be held accountable. I spoke to ford "customer service" on 5/5/11 to report the issue and request financial assistance for the repairs. I was told to take my vehicle to the dealership, pay for the diagnostic test, and have the dealership confirm the "defect". I made a follow-up call to ford "customer service" on 5/9/10 to report that the service manager did confirm the defect and that he had seen similar problems. However, ford said they were not responsible, would not provide financial assistance, and that I was "misinformed" by my initial call to ford in giving me hope they could somehow help me. Additionally, they stated that I "should not expect my ford vehicle to last beyond 100k miles". In the meantime, we are responsible for the towing, diagnostic, and repair bills, so the ford service department is profiting from this. This was our fourth ford vehicle, and it will certainly be our last.

Filed Mar 17, 2011 · Electrical · PW

I own a 2005 ford mustang gt rain leaks into the passenger side interior above the fuse and smart junction box. When I was driving it in the rain I lost all electrical functions ie headlights,brake lights wipers, horn and so on. Luckily I was driving during the day and could see had it been night time I would have crashed. I called my ford dealer and they stated that are aware of the water leaks with the mustangs but did not offer to fix for a defect on their fault. A search of the internet shows many people with the same problem.