One of the first things that might happen if your Mazda has a bad alternator is the battery light will turn on on the dashboard. This light illuminates when there are problems with the alternator, the battery, or other problems with your Mazda’s electrical system. Bring your Mazda to Mazcare if the battery light comes on or if you have any of the other problems listed below.
Dead Battery/Hard Starts
One of the things that the alternator does is charge the battery as it discharges. This ensures you always have a working battery in your Mazda’s engine. If the battery has been dying lately and isn’t holding a charge after you jump-start it, this is a sign that the alternator is malfunctioning and failing to charge the battery when it needs it.
Frequent Engine Stalling
You are going to find out that the alternator powers a lot of things in your Mazda. Another thing that it powers is the spark plugs. The spark plugs need the power so they can generate sparks in the cylinders. Unfortunately, if the alternator is going bad, your engine may stall frequently because the plugs are unable to produce sparks.
Grinding Engine Noises
You may also hear grinding noises in the engine because the alternator is wearing out. It will start to make grinding or growling sounds as it wears down. You should always have your Mazda’s engine inspected right away if it is making any strange noises. Some noises can be an indication that the engine is being damaged.
Hot Electrical System
When acting normally, the alternator will produce anywhere from 13 volts to 14.5 volts of electricity in your Mazda. There are times when a faulty alternator will try to overcompensate for its failings. Unfortunately, this means that the alternator is producing too much electricity and overloading your Mazda’s electrical system.
Malfunctioning Accessories
You may also start to have problems with the accessories in your Mazda if the alternator is malfunctioning. For example, you may notice that power accessories slow down, such as the windows or seats. You may also start to have problems with things such as the radio, the navigation system, the seat warmers, and other accessories.
Mazda Light Problems
Finally, you are going to notice problems with your Mazda’s lights when the alternator is going bad. For example, if the alternator is producing too much electricity, the lights will be unusually bright. They will also flicker and operate with reduced brightness if the alternator is not producing enough electricity.
Call Mazcare in Marietta, GA, today if your Mazda is having any of the problems listed above. We would be happy to test the alternator and replace it if necessary.