2002 Mazda Protege Charging light

Tiny
JACKPOTJEFF
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 MAZDA PROTEGE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
I've been having a problem with my 2002 Mazda Protege. The check battery light is coming on intermittently. I get home at night and the light is on. The next morning I start the car and there is no light, then I drive for 5-10 minutes and the light comes on. (Due cold engine?) If I stop the car and start it again sometimes the light comes right back on and other times I can drive for 1/2 a hour before the light comes on. I've checked the output of the battery several times when the charging light comes on. Sometimes it's right at the pass/fail line of the meter other times it reads OK but the light is still on. I've had the alternator tested (it's OK), tightened the belt and cleaned the connections any ideas?
Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 AT 11:48 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the meter fuse 10amp located in joint box behind left kick panel.

Also have the computer built-in voltage regulator checked-out.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_alty_10.jpg

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Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 AT 12:07 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
Replace the alternator. There is a %2 chance that it is a wiring problem %98 the alternator is bad.
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Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
SANDMAN THORNE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Have you found whats the issue?
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 AT 4:24 AM
Tiny
SANDMAN THORNE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Got update?
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 AT 4:41 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,091 POSTS
I am sure it was it was the alternator. here is how to change it out and the wiring diagrams and a guide to help you check the connections. There is chance the ECM is going bad and not telling the alternator to charge.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 AT 11:00 AM

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