1999 Mazda Protege ES 1.8 Not Starting

WAIPAHU91

MEMBER
1999 MAZDA PROTEGE

Hi, I must admit i'm a female who knows very little about cars. I have this Protege that has been having trouble starting for a few weeks now. All I have to do is jump it and it will start right up. Someone who jumped me said it was probably the alternator. It will sometimes start and sometimes not. The longer it has gone on though the less often it wants to start. I should have taken it to a garage right away, it's just that a couple months ago I did that and was taken for a ride ( the guy tried to charge me $700. To tune it up and put in a new catalytic converter). I didn't have $700. So he charged me $65. To tell what the check engine codes were and I got someone else to tune it up for $180. I'm supporting three teenage boys and not financially well off.
ANYWAY, if I buy an alternator do you think that it is something that my sons and I could do with a repair manual, and does it sound like this is my problem?
thanks for your time.

2 Replies

GRAVEY57

MEMBER
1 POST

Have you replaced the battery? Have you gone to an Auto-Zone or Advanced Auto and they will check the starting system for free?

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Monday, December 25th, 2006 AT 5:24 PM

COSMO

MECHANIC
347 POSTS

Yes I would have the battery checked out and then if it needs a battery to check the charging system after the battery replacement. Don't have the alt checked with a dead battery, alot of times it will give a false reading of a poor alternator since the alt. Is having to work so hard with a dead battery.

Working at a Mazda dealer I know that the alt. Assembly itself costs roughly $300-350 CND + labor roughly an hour. So take it from there on the cost your should be looking at. Mazda OEM batteries come with a lifetime pro rated warrenty.$100 apx.

I'm sure you might find it cheaper, but I know Mazda pricing, and I know sometimes cheaper is not always the best.

Check around and ask questions. If you feel like you might be taken for a ride don't be afraid to walk away.

Cosmo. Mazda TEch