The battery light in my 00 Mazda Protege has been coming on periodically for the past few days. I just had my battery checked and it's fine. However, the "volts are jumping up and down,17 to 11 when normal is 13" per a mechanic. I requested the alternator be checked but the response I received was "we can replace it". I have this feeling he ignored my request because I'm a female. I hope to be proven wrong with your answers.
I know people who got the run around with battery and alternator when in fact it turned out to be the catalytic converter. I would like to avoid the potential money pits of what if's. Is there a way to check if the alternator and/or catalytic converter needs replacing?
2006-08-10 17:33:21 · 13 answers · asked by sara bellum 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Disconnecting the battery while the car is running is a bad test for any car, let alone a car this new with those computers in it.
One power surge and your bill will easily double. Bad Idea.
the battery acts as a surge protector in a sense and while you do have fuses and things designed to protect your computers, and they should all be switched on the negative side after the load. do you really want to test them?
Ok, the dash light will come on for any number of reasons. Easiest thing to do is to go to auto zone or similar shop and get a free test, I do not buy their parts however, Quality just isn't that great.
Minimum amount of voltage is 12.26 static (sitting, not running) if you battery passes static voltage which only means it's currently holding a charge, then they do a heavy load test, seeing if the battery can put out enough amps to start the car. The Static voltage while running should be upper 12's say 12.7 somewhere around there, depending on how much load you are pulling. Then when you rev the engine a little bit the voltage read at the battery should go a little higher, 13ish is usually pretty good but it varies depending on the car.
Any higher that that, the voltage regulator on your alternator is probably shot. It prevents your alternator from putting out too much and frying the system. Sometimes the voltage regulator is available seperately but most of the time this means a new alternator is called for.
By the way all these tests are performed underhood, the "plug" inside is for an OBD (on-board diagnostics) scanner hookup and can read the same numbers Only IF the tester has a decent scanner and knows how to use it properly. A lot of parts jockeys have no idea what they are doing. they replace parts until it's fixed... that's expensive.
Pick your battles, don't get screwed, at least act like you know your ****, just cause you're a female doesn't mean a damn thing! don't let them screw you. and remember preventative maintenance is THE MOST important thing you can do for your car.
This includes keeping your battery clean, properly secured with good clean connections. and remember in the hotter states batteries don't last more than about two years anyway without any maintenance. good luck
2006-08-10 18:10:23 · answer #1 · answered by Orlandoboat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
forget the catalytic converter ... i doubt VERY seriously that is an issue and usually what happens if they ever need replacing is because they clog up and the car doesnt run good or starts dying ... on the alternator ... first i would clean the battery connections good to eliminate a poor connection ... start the car and turn on the lights and ac...then pull off the positive battery terminal ... if the car stumbles or dies its a good bet the alternator needs replacing, the car should run normally with the battery disconnected ... i wouldnt trust the guage really ... and if the car is getting hard to start and lugging slow while starting it is more likely the battery that needs replacing.
2006-08-10 18:05:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you are getting ignored. your request is a good one dont replace any thing you dont have to. also dont go back to that shop agin. your catalytic converter (cat) has nothing to do with how many volts your alternater is putting out. all your cat does is burn un used gas from the combustion process. if you have a friend that can help you pull out the alt. then you can take it to a parts store and they will test it, hopefully for free. that will tell you if it is bad. 13-14 volts is avg. so 17 tells me the voltage regulator in the alt could be going out. get it tested asap
2006-08-10 17:46:36 · answer #3 · answered by Josh E. 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the easiest way to have your alternator checked is to go to a checker auto or autozone or pep boys and have them check it. its for free. if your battery and alternator check good it could be a loose belt or corroded electrical connections. while you're at the auto store, buy a battery monitor that plugs into your cigarette lighter for about $5. it will help. as far as your catalytic converter? unless it rusts through, it should be good for the life of your car
2006-08-10 17:44:27 · answer #4 · answered by oldguy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you live near an Autozone and Advance Auto Parts they can usually check it out for you at no charge. NAPA auto should also do this too. If it is the voltage regulator than that is built within the alternator nowadays so it might need be replaced.
2006-08-10 17:44:47 · answer #5 · answered by ihadnuttin2dowitit 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take it to a dealer and have it checked out If you can't find a reputable mechanic. I sure would never go back to the one that tried to rip you off. f you look in the telephone book for an Auto electric place then you will in all probability find someone that knows what the are doing and will only fix what needs fixing.
2006-08-10 17:55:43 · answer #6 · answered by G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
honey, if the battery is staying charged, it's not the alternator. The battery jumps the car, the alternator keeps it going. If the alternator goes bad, it can't charge the battery and it will be dead. It has nothing to do with a cataly. converter....learn something about cars, so that you don't get ripped off!
2006-08-10 17:52:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
one of the easiest ways to see if your alternator needs replaced is start the car and let it run a few minutes then disconnect the battery neg terminal turn on your lights If the car dies then the alternator is going to need replaced soon
2006-08-10 17:43:57 · answer #8 · answered by robecca_san 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a vehicle that new has a little plug that is used for most state inspections now. Find a garage that is state certified and they can plug it in and get a whole diagnostics. The prices vary from state to state. In NY it runs about $21.
Good Luck.
2006-08-10 17:56:04 · answer #9 · answered by chrissm2001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A reputable mechanic can find out if the alternator is charging by measuring the voltage output. Find that reputable mechanic.
2006-08-10 17:39:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋