Just Bought A Clean 2005 Mustang Gt With 65k, And Have A Few ?'s

[The_Grayt_1]

Hey guys bought a super clean lightly modded bright red 05 Mustang GT 5 speed manual that has never been wrecked and has been well cared for. I bought it knowing it had a few minor issues. The two main problems are the gauges are not working for the tach, fuel, temp, oil pressure. The other thing is the dome light is not working. I do not have an owners manual so could someone tell me which fuse controls the dome light as it might be blown and an easy fix.

More importantly, how do I go about getting these gauges to work again? I have read a bit now about he instrument cluster issues on the 05. Should I look at replacing the stepper motors? Is that the issue? Las Vegas Ford wants $850 for a new instrument panel...

Finally, what is your overall opinion of the 05GT's? How reliable are they? Any major problems? Are the 05's more problematic than other years? The car sits drives, sounds, and looks amazing and really enjoy driving it. Just want to get everyones opinions. Will try and post pictures later. Thanks in advance.

 

[08gtcslady]

I have a 2007 GT, so not positive if our fuses r the same but probably are. Can't find one that specifically says dome or map lights, but the one that says electrochromic mirror/ambient lighting and is listed as position #7 in the SJB in the passenger side behind the kick panel. There is a fuse position #61 in the main box for the instrument panel. Hope this helps

 

[Red_LX]

Some people have poo-pooed the 05's becaue they were the first year of the new body style and there have been some problems.

Personally I haven't had any issues with mine really...I bought it with 53K on it 3 1/2 years ago, now almost at 80K and no problems yet, knock on wood! These do have the problematic two-piece spark plugs which you are supposed to replace as early as possible to minimize the chance of the electrodes breaking off when you try to remove them. I'm hoping to get to mine this winter while the car is in storage.

 

[Sharad]

I had an '06 GT and it was just an excellent all around car. Wish I'd kept it.

 

[Bullitt95]

The two main problems are the gauges are not working for the tach, fuel, temp, oil pressure. The other thing is the dome light is not working.

If you're skilled with a soldering iron, you could buy the stepper motors from ebay and repair the gauge cluster yourself. Otherwise you'll need to send your gauge cluster to someone who provides a repair service.

As for the dome light, it could just be a blown bulb.

I had an '06 GT and it was just an excellent all around car.

Probably 'cause of all the UPR products you put into it.

 

[Sharad]

Probably 'cause of all the UPR products you put into it.

Not gonna lie- the UPR upgrades were nice! (I think there's a build thread on that car somewhere around here...) But anyway, I really do like the 3VGTs. They're great cars, and the prices have come down a lot.

 

[Bullitt95]

But anyway, I really do like the 3VGTs. They're great cars

Would you take one over a Coyote-powered GT?

 

[madspeed]

Not a chance!

 

[Sharad]

It's apples to oranges because there is a huge price disparity. I loved my 3VGT, but I love my Coyote car.

 

[cmann]

If your poking around in that fuse area behind the passenger kick panel, you might want to check it out for corrosion issues related to a known problem with water leaking inside from the cowl area. This has been know to cause a number of electrical issues in the past. Not saying this is causing your problem, but never hurts to be aware this issue. Making sure that the drain inside the cowl is clear of debris like leafs etc. is key to preventing this water damage.

 

[F. Jason Garriott]

For the guages, a lot of them fail on the '05s, but there're several dudes on ebay who can put new stepper motors on, for about $100. The cluster's easy to detach and mail, and the car will run without the cluster, just keep the tank full. My '05 GT has 167K miles and runs great. I've replaced the lash adjusters, rockers, timing chains, coil-overs and injectors, just because old cars need that stuff. The lash adjusters will click when they wear out. and a few of the rockers popped out at 160K. Next repair is a new clutch, then a front end rebuild.

The plugs tend to break. soak them with wd40, and work carfully, with a cold engine. Use anti-seize on the new ones.

Another note: If the alternator starts to wear out it'll send a trouble code for a "left bank VCT" malfunction.

Hope this helps, Gray.