1998 Mazda 626 BATTERY WILL NOT HOLD CHARGE

MAZDAMAN08

MEMBER
1998 MAZDA 626
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
112,000 MILES

The check battery light on my 1998 Mazda 626 ES came on last Thursday. Since I have a Sears Diehard battery with a replacement warranty, I took the car to Sears and had them test the battery. They recharged the battery and said it tested fine. On Saturday the car died, and I had to have it towed. My mechanic ran a diagnostic, and said the car and the alternator tested fine, and the problem is a bad battery.

They charged the battery, and I drove back to Sears. After another battery test, they again told me the battery is good, and refused to replace it. When I got back in my car, the battery light was on again. What should I do?

I am thinking about buying another battery. If the same thing happens again with a new battery, doesn't it mean there is a problem with the car?

Monday, July 14th, 2008 AT 11:12 AM

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi mazdaman08,

Thanks for the donation.

I would suggest checking the alternator charging again.

Test the voltage at alternator and battery when vehicle is running.

Run for a longer period and with full load, ie all lightings and AC on.

If the charging voltage drops badly, it could be the pulley. There is a damper rubber ring and it could be faulty resulting in slippage of the alternator pulley.

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Monday, July 14th, 2008 AT 1:51 PM