Ford Mustang Beeping? (6 Causes & Solutions)

The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic cars of all time.

The modern-day versions are packed with tech, which means lots of beeps, chimes are noises for various reasons.

If you’re Ford Mustang keeps beeping and you’re not sure why, then this guide is for you.

Ford Mustang Beeping

A common cause of beeping on a Ford Mustang is due to a fault with the SRS (airbag system) and it often means the airbag warning lamp has blown in the gauge cluster and the problem is not necessarily related to the airbags themselves. This is a backup tone to indicate the warning light is not working.

There is a simple and easy way to check this:

  1. Turn the key to the ‘ON’ poistion.
  2. Observe the gauge cluster.
  3. All lamps should illuminate, including the airbag lamp.
  4. If it doesn’t you will hear the beeping noise.

The gauge cluster refers to the collection of driving instruments behind the wheel and includes things such as speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights and tachometer.

If there is no light for the airbag warning in the dash when you turn the key on, then you’ll need to replace the bulb.

By doing so, the beeping should stop, its also important to check for loose connections.

You will need to remove the instrument cluster, open it and in the back it will have all the little light bulbs.

If changing the faulty bulb didn’t do the trick or you’re not confident to change the bulb yourself, we recommend contacting your local Ford dealership.

From the Ford Mustang Owners Manual:

NoteThe information below is related to the SRS which is the Supplementary Restraint System which is essentially the vehicle’s airbags.

The readiness of the safety system is indicated by a warning indicator light in the instrument cluster or by a backup tone if the warning light is not working.

Routine maintenance of the airbag is not required.

A difficulty with the [SRS] system is indicated by one or more of the following:

  • The readiness light (airbag light in the instrument cluster) will not illuminate immediately after you switch the ignition on.
  • The readiness light either flashes or stays lit.
  • A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat periodically until the problem, the light or both are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the supplemental restraint system serviced at an authorized dealer immediately.

Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a crash.

Ford Mustang Beeps Twice

If your Ford Mustang beeps or honks twice when you lock it this can be caused by a door (or the trunk) that hasn’t been shut properly, a second set of keys left in the car, keys left in the ignition, exiting the vehicle with the engine still running, a faulty hood switch or if the hood is open.

One of the reasons why Ford installed the double honk is to prevent scenarios such as:

  • You drive you and your passenger to a location.
  • You get out to go to an appointment.
  • The passenger gets in the driver seat and drives away.
  • Unknowingly you forgot you have the key fob in your pocket.

The double honk is to remind you, you have the key.

It is possible to disable the double honk with FORScan which allows the user to make various modifications to their Ford vehicle.

The double horn beep is a relatively new ‘feature’ that Ford has rolled out across their line-up.

It is a requirement of the FMVSS regulation (USA regulation) that require a warning noise on every car when the key leaves the car while it’s still running

You may also notice two honks if you leave a phone or iPad or accessory plugged in the charging port and walk away from the vehicle, for example, to a gas station.

It’s never a good idea to leave valuables on display especially in an unlocked vehicle.

Ford Mustang Beeps While Driving

If you are experiencing beeping whilst driving your Ford Mustang this may be caused by a faulty door latch, if you have a ‘door ajar’ light on the dashboard then this is almost certainly the case, these latches can often get stuck.

Faulty latches are very common – you may need to have a latch replaced although you should first try lubricating it with something like WD-40.

If it’s not related to the door sensor/latch then it could be caused by a damaged wire.

A lot of mysterious beeps and electrical issues can be traced back to damaged wire(s) in the boot between the body and the driver’s door.

It could also be related to a faulty door ajar switch or a faulty hood switch.

The beeping could also be caused by a burnt-out SRS lamp as previously mentioned.

Ford Mustang Beeping When Door Open

If your Ford Mustang beeps when a door is open this can be caused by a faulty headlight switch, a faulty ignition switch or damaged wires. Since the headlights being on, or the key being in the ignition will cause the chime to sound, one of these switches may have a loose connection or be faulty.

It is normal to hear beeping when the driver door is open if you have done any of the following:

  • Left you lights on and the driver door is open
  • Left your key in the ignition and the driver door is open

If you are experiencing a beep or a ding noise and you have not done any of the above, then it might be caused by a certain blue wire.

  1. Remove the steering column shrouds
  2. You will see a blue wire that enters the key switch assembly itself
  3. This wire is responsible for causing the ‘ding’ noise for leaving the key in the ignition
  4. It grounds the wire when the key is inserted thus shutting off the alarm
  5. If the wire comes loose it will never ground out
  6. So the ding will activate when ever the door is open, key or no key.
  7. You can use a small zip tie to make sure its kept firmly in place.
  8. This shouldn’t take more than 15-20 minutes.

You may also be interested in our article: Ford Mustang: 11 Common Problems (Useful Guide)

Other Possible Causes of Beeps

Passenger Seatbelt Sensor

In some instances weight on the passenger seat from a bag, groceries or even your pet pooch can cause the seatbelt chime to go off, in which case you can try fastening the passenger seat belt.

Blown Bulb

Checking for things like a blown headlight or burnt-out brake light bulb is also a good idea.

Fluids

Low fluid levels may also trigger a warning beep, so its worth checking things like windshield washer etc.

Faulty sensors

There could also be a faulty sensor that indicates when a door is not closed or that a seatbelt isn’t connected when it should be.

You may also be interested in our article: Ford Mustang Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs (Complete Guide)

MyKey

You can set a speed limit for your vehicle.

Warning messages appear in the information display and a tone / beep sounds if your vehicle reaches the set speed.

You cannot override the set speed when using a MyKey.

Navigation assist on maps is designed to beep.

Bluetooth Connection

You will hear beeps when your phone gets connected to the Infotainment system via Bluetooth connection.

Parking Aids: False Alerts

The sensing system warns you of obstacles within a certain range of your vehicle. The system turns on when you turn the ignition on.

Certain add-on devices installed around the bumper or fascia may create false alerts, such as:

  • Large trailer hitches
  • Bike or surfboard racks
  • License plate brackets
  • Bumper covers
  • Any other device that may block the normal detection zone of the system.

Remove the add-on device to prevent false alerts.

Note: When you connect a trailer to your vehicle, the rear parking aid may detect the trailer and therefore provide an alert. Disable the rear parking aid when you connect a trailer to prevent the alert.

Related: Ford Mustang Alarm Going Off? (9 Causes & Solutions)

Resources

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2021-Ford-Mustang-Owners-Manual-version-2_om_EN-US_03_2021.pdf

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2019-Ford-Mustang-Owners-Manual-version-2_om_EN-US_01_2019.pdf

Author:

  • Ian Sawyer

    Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...