STARTER, ALTERNATOR, OR BATTERY? B2600i

DUSTINKS

MEMBER
2012 MAZDA TRUCK

1991 Mazda B2600i pickup truck. 100K miles.

Hello,

I let my truck sit for about 2 weeks, then I drove it less than a mile to the bank and when I came out it would not start. After letting it set for 30 minutes it started only to take me to the nearest gas station where once stopped, it has since failed to restart.

I don't think the battery is completely dead as the dome, dash, and brake lights (but not flashers) come on. I gave it a lengthy jump and lightly "hit" the starter with a wrench while some one tried starting it, but unfortunately it fails to even turn-over (gives only a faint click).

Can I conclude from this that the problem is not with the battery and not with the starter and that the culprit is likely the alternator? Any crude methods for finding out what is the cause?

I cannot push it to a mechanic and am trying to diagnose it with my less than amateur ways.

Any help would be great!
Dustin

PS - the PCM or "electrical brain box" is fine as I had that piece replaced last summer.

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

You need to rule out the battery/connections-Do you see all the lights that normally comes On?

Lets get it to crank before we worry with alternator. Put key to start postion find the starter relay ignition terminal check for power there do you have it. Then comeback

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, October 11th, 2007 AT 5:46 PM

DUSTINKS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Rasmataz the brake lights, dome, and console lights come on but the Headlights will not. I looked over some very comprehensive starting system troubleshooting manuals online but I really cannot identify where these small solenoid and starter cables are to connect a jumper to find out if something else along the starting circuit is the cause. IS there any simple tip on how to narrow down the problem? Or should I put in an order for a $100 starter (hope I can install it correctly) and roll the dice that this major component is at fault.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, October 14th, 2007 AT 4:14 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

When you put key to On, do you see the lights that normally should come On?

If not check all the fusible links and the miniature fuses.

Lights not coming on and fuse link/miniature are okay-you lost the ground in the headlight switch.

Is it an auto or manual

At the starter solenoid S terminal, you will see a small wire colored black and green or black and red.

Get somebody to turn key to start postion and tap on the starter-did it kick-in. No kick-check for power at the terminal while key is in start postion-do you have it,

If its a manual-jumper the clutch switch at the clutch pedal-did it kick in?

Get back

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

-1

Sunday, October 14th, 2007 AT 5:12 PM