1999 Mazda 626 Charge light problem

ALPINAMAN

MEMBER
1999 MAZDA 626
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
49,000 MILES

Hi,
We have a 1999 Mazda 626 1.8 16v.
Our problem is that the battery/charging light will come on intermittantly.T may stay on for a while, then just extinguish.
It comes on with the other ignition lights as normal and goes off when started, but then can come on anytime, there is no pattern to it.
When the light is illuminated, the battery still charges fine(have had this checked, 14.1v).

Anyone have any idea's? Is there a charge relay that could be causing the problem?

Any help appreciated

6 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Get the alternator/battery load tested-regulator could be failing /also check the wiring harness/belt tension-

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Friday, February 29th, 2008 AT 11:08 AM

ALPINAMAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for the quick reply.

If the voltage regulator in the alternator was failing, wouldnt the charge voltage drop too when the light was illuminated?

Thanks again

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Friday, February 29th, 2008 AT 11:10 AM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

The voltage will drop if the regulator is malfunctioning-Load test the battery it might not be taking the charge-

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Friday, February 29th, 2008 AT 11:48 AM

ALPINAMAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for the reply.

As said, the voltage does not drop when the light is on, it stays at 14.1v at idle. This reading was taken from the rear of the alternator. The battery is new too, so I know that is ok.

The car shows no sign of battery depleation. It always starts and has never broken down, just the charge light intermittantly illuminates?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Friday, February 29th, 2008 AT 12:17 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

When the charge light comes On the regulator is not controlling the field windings Or the alternator itself-

Do a regulator bypass test this will tell you something between the regulator and alternator.

Check the fuse and also wire to wire from and to the alternator.

See charging wiring schematic-EWD