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Battery not charging

Tiny
K5CQB
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
The alternator appears to not be working. The battery voltage with the engine off is 12.7 volts. When started the voltage jumps to 12.9 volts then quickly returns to 12.7v.

The battery warning light is not on when the vehicle is running. When I turn the ignition to the on position without starting the battery lights comes on for a fraction of a second then disappears. The other lights stay on but not this one.

I have checked the alternator fuse in the engine compartment fuse box and it's OK. The battery cables are all clean and the connections are tight.
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Friday, August 6th, 2010 AT 11:41 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Hi there,

The alternator has an internal failure, possibly a faulty regulator, get a rebuilt alternator this should fix your problem.

Here is a guide to help you step be step to change it out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 12:10 AM
Tiny
K5CQB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks, it was the alternator.

Just a tip here. If you buy an alternator have the seller test it before you leave the store. The brand new alternator I bought tested bad. Since I had to remove the wheel spindle and axle to get to the alternator I would have lost my composure if I put the bad one in only to find it didn't work.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2010 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Hi there, not the first time ihave hard this happening, good luck with it.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Sunday, August 8th, 2010 AT 4:31 PM
Tiny
ROBINWALDREP
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 152,000 MILES
I put two new alternators & a new battery, the first alternator was bad and the second alternator I had tested before I left the store it tested good but its still not charging. What could be the problem?
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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 10:54 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNNYT73
  • MECHANIC
  • 924 POSTS
Check the fuse panel under the hood and check the larger fuses. It may be 100 amp - 120amp fuse that completes your charging circuit.
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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 10:54 AM (Merged)

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