can you help me? If my battery in my car has problems charging, could that mean that the alternater is going?

Question

Mazda
Has problems retaining and recharging battery power.

Answer 1

it could either be the alternator or the battery. most places that replace batteries can check them free of charge before having to replace it

Answer 2

There are 2 possibilities for this problem. The 1st is that your alternator (or voltage regulator-usually inside the alternator in newer cars) is bad. The 2nd problem could be that your battery is going bad and just won't accept a charge any longer. There are tests available for both problems. The tests don't take long, but you need the right equipment. If you live near an Auto Zone store, they will test for free if they aren't too busy. No Auto Zone nearby? Call some other parts stores around and ask if they will test for free. You have nothing to lose but some time and finger pushing. Good luck.-Jim.

Answer 3

it could be a few things. If the battery is worn out, it will not accept a charge. Also, the alternator (as you guessed) is generally responsible for re-charging the battery, so it may be failed as well. On some older cars, there is a separate voltage regulator that could be faulty as well but in most late-model cars it is built into the alternator. My recommendation is to try to charge the battery fully using a battery charger and take it to the local parts store (pep boys, autozone etc.) and tell them you need your charging system tested. They will first load test the battery (must be charged) and then test your vehicle's charging system. this service is usually done at no charge and only takes a few minutes for them to do. Good luck.

Answer 4

your problem could be a number of things yes it could be the alternator, or it could be the voltage regulator which is mounted on the alternator or sometimes if your car is old enough it is mounted on the fender wall. It may also be a broken or corroded wire. IT could be just that the battery is so old that it just simply wont take a charge anymore the best thing i can tell you to do is to go down to your local parts store and ask them to check you charging system most part stores will do this free of charge and by doing this it should lead you to what is actually causing your car not to charge

Answer 5

does it run fine after you have jump started it? If it runs okay once started the power has to be coming from somewhere. That somewhere is the alternator, so in that case the alternator is fine.

so if it runs after jump starting it is probably the voltage regulator (which controls the charging system) or corrosion on the wires going to the battery, and not the alternator.

the good news is that diagnosis is easy - most decent auto parts stores will test your charging system for you for free, and then sell you whatever part you need to get going again.

Answer 6

If the alternator is going out, you'll know soon enough. If you've been driving at night w/headlights on, you're battery will soon die if it's the alternator. Check the belt that drives the altenator. If it's loose, tighten it slightly. Check the connections on the battery. If they're corroded, clean them off with a wire brush, then remove the connecting batter cables ( positive side first, please ) and use a wire brush to clean both the terminal and cable end if it's a conventional 'top' terminal battery.

Answer 7

not necessarely. With the car running, you can disconnect the positive battery cable. If the car dies there is probably a problem with your altinator. If it keeps running it is the battery. Just make sure the air conditioner and the lights are off.

Answer 8

could be a bad battery, maybe has bad cells. take it to an autozone, they can put a tester on it and tell you if its your battery or your alternater

Answer 9

it could or the battery is worn out. nothing lasts forever

Answer 10

go to a auto store have them ck you'r system out most are free cables loose adjust you'r belt go to a parts store