SPONSORED LINKS

Testing alternator, charging system light is on?

Tiny
RAMJACCORP
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 MAZDA MILLENIA
  • 2.3L
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 25,000 MILES
The vehicle listed above is an S (supercharged) Battery is good, but the charging system light is on. Tested voltage at battery posts while running, and it was below 13, so it looks like battery isn't charging. I had to remove the charge air cooler to access the connector plug and post from the top. I want to test voltage from the post, before assuming the alternator is toast, but can I safely run the engine with the air cooler removed? Can't access the buried alternator with the cooler in place.
SPONSORED LINKS
Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 AT 10:02 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,913 POSTS
You should be able to but if you upload images of what you are talking about, I can tell for sure.

Here is a guide to help with the test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Please let us know how it goes.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 AT 12:57 PM
Tiny
RAMJACCORP
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the quick response, Ken! I already watched that video - very helpful. I've attached a couple images - hope they're useful. I don't want to risk doing any damage to the supercharger or engine. I think they built the entire car from the alternator out. ;-)
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,913 POSTS
You should be okay, if the engine goes to full throttle shut it off, I would not rev the engine. Let me know what happens.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, September 8th, 2023 AT 3:28 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Battery Light Content

VIEW MORE

Sponsored links