Battery Light Came On 12-7-10

[Pmpkinhead]

I have a New Yellow Top Optima and the Alternator was replaced 2.5 years ago (35,000 miles ago).
What do I look at first? Arghhhhhh

 

[Pmpkinhead]

Anybody?

 

[00protege1.8]

go to AAP or autozone and get it tested

 

[Jo060]

Loose connections.

 

[HighSpeed]

loose connection. FYI the battery light means that you are running off the battery only, so more than likely your alternator is going out or the regulator is going out. Have someone test it like AAP or AZ or somewhere that has a tester. Good luck

 

[Pmpkinhead]

Where is the Regulator? I ordered an Alternator from NAPA and they said it's a Standard 80 Amp Alternator. Is it a "normal" or "special" alternator for the MSP?
Thanks!

 

[HighSpeed]

im pretty sure its the same for all 2.0's. The regulator is internal. Unless you know a good shop that you would trust to rebuild it, just get another one because you would be better off with a good alternator.

 

[Pmpkinhead]

So if I put in this "Reman" Napa Alternator, I should be good to go? (Napa recommended the "Reman" alternator!)

 

[Jo060]

So if I put in this "Reman" Napa Alternator, I should be good to go? (Napa recommended the "Reman" alternator!)

Yeah you'll be fine with a rebuilt ALT. Check to make sure your old alternator isn't still under warranty. Also, see if there is a core charge...Sometimes you can get money back if there is. I know AAP sells a lot of things that will have a core charge.

 

[Pmpkinhead]

Yeah you'll be fine with a rebuilt ALT. Check to make sure your old alternator isn't still under warranty. Also, see if there is a core charge...Sometimes you can get money back if there is. I know AAP sells a lot of things that will have a core charge.

The new alternator took about 3 Hrs, I better not quit my day job! It seems to be working based on my 15 minute test drive. Thanks for everyones help!!! The dealer wanted $500 (they supply alternator) and NTB wanted $250 (I supply alternator), wow now I see why. I also replaced both belts (alternator belt had lots of cracks).

Napa core charge is $40.00 and dealer only had a 1 year warranty on the reman alt they installed.

 

[destineal]

glad to hear you got it worked out.

 

[HighSpeed]

Good, now that you replaced it......hopefully you won't have to worry about cramming your hand and dislocating your shoulder to remove it again

 

[00protege1.8]

what i did on my last motor was unbolt the rear mount and jack the motor up it gives alot more room

 

[Pmpkinhead]

I started my car after work and heard the god-aweful squeal. Don't know if the belt is too tight and killing the bearings or just too loose. Well, at least the alternator is done. The noise settled down after about 5 minutes.

 

[Pmpkinhead]

I adjusted (tightened) the front (power steering) belt again and still squealing once in a while. How tight should it be, I don't want to break something or burn a bearing! Maybe it's the back (alternator) belt and it just sounds like the front belt. How tight is too tight? Anybody!? Both belts are new napa gates belts.

 

[Pmpkinhead]

I have been searching threads and the next thing I will try is making sure the belt can't be twisted more than 45 degrees per member maxmazda. I am going nuts with this squeal. Anybody have Napa Gates belts that DID NOT squeal?

 

[orangedevil]

That happened to me 3 days ago, it was a bad battery terminal connection

 

[Pmpkinhead]

How does a loose battery connection cause a squeal? Was it a belt squeal?

 

[jclue]

I think he meant the whole battery light thing...

 

[Tuners and Rods]

check belt tension you should be able to press on the belt and it only moves about 1/8th of an inch or so