help question about.......

[cowboycove]

So I've Google and got a lot of mixed answers. I know every car is built differently. So maybe there's a Mazda specialist here.

I sit in my car for a good 2-3 hours a day(45 mins a at time) with the car running so I can enjoy the a/c and music. Also to charge my phone. I've always heard that as long as the car is running then your battery will properly charge. But I recently heard that if the car is not actually driving the alternator will not create enough energy to run the ac/radio/etc. So it starts drawing energy from the battery.

My last car was a Honda ridge line with 120k miles in it. I started this new job 3 months ago and with all the down time. I get to sit in my car. Shortly after starting this job my alternator fails. Given the age of my car I figured it was time . my battery was also barely over a year old. And it died probably from the alternator not charging it. now with the new 2015 cx5. I randomly feel a rumble. Like the car is going to shut off or something. I also recently read that the ac disengages the alternator when idling? Any car specialist here that can tell me more about how a car uses its energy and whether or not sitting idle for 45 minutes at a time is going to ruin the alternator or battery?

 

[ALafya]

The Owner's manual says (2014, page 5-115)

To prevent discharge of the battery, do not use the (accessory) socket for long periods with the engine off or idling.

I don't think it will damage the alternator, but it will discharge your battery.

Also, it does not sound like a good idea to idle the engine for so long. Why not turn it off and start it up when you really need to drive?
Save gas, the environment and require less car maintenance less frequently. It's a no brainer.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

Also if you are interested in battery use for long periods a deep cycle battery may be a good choice. Expect to pay about double price.

 

[GAXIBM]

The alternator is strong enough (I think rated at 95 amp) to handle typical idle with audio and AC as long as you do not have the headlights & wipers on and put it in neutral or park so the running lights are not on as well as not having some heavy load plugged in. You can verify this by using a voltmeter as the alternator should keep the voltage above 13.5-14.5 volts. Driving takes a lot more power with the higher rpm for electric steering, BSM, Transmission control, ABS, Traction control, running lights, headlights, wipers, collision avoidance, etc.

 

[Sassimac]

Hi There....

Please bear in mind that if your CX5 has the iStop function, the battery is NOT a standard battery...!!!!! You can not just fit any battery you think is a OK. Failure to use a battery suited to the iStop function will create a fault condition.

My Dealer discovered this the hard way. They fitted an aftermarket battery after my OEM failed. It lasted about a mile before it threw a code. They had no choice but to use an OEM battery.

Consult your Mazda Dealer..!!!!!

 

[erhayes]

Alternators running at idle produce very little charging current. The ~ 95 ampers quoted above is only realized when the engine is running at 2,500+RPMs?

 

[cowboycove]

Alternators running at idle produce very little charging current. The ~ 95 ampers quoted above is only realized when the engine is running at 2,500+RPMs?

Will the alternator great enough energy to run the ac and music? Or will it most likely drain the battery?

 

[erhayes]

Only an amp meter will tell you that information or see what happens.

 

[Skorpio]

Maximum amperage is normally generated between 1500-2500 rpms on most vehicles, and anything over that rpm range is controlled by an internal voltage regulator. Since you are idling at less than 1000 rpm, you're not getting full charge capabilities. If you don't like replacing batteries every couple years or maybe much less in your case, I recommend buying an automatic battery charger and trickle charge your battery back to 100% every weekend or sooner. Even normal driving without any extra draw will slowly drain the battery. That's why some people can only get a couple years out of theirs with average driving habits. Of course, temperature has an impact on battery life also. I almost always get 5-7 years out of my OEM batteries with this method. Amazon sells this inexpensive($32) Schumacher model with a digital readout-

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

Maximum amperage is normally generated between 1500-2500 rpms on most vehicles, and anything over that rpm range is controlled by an internal voltage regulator. Since you are idling at less than 1000 rpm, you're not getting full charge capabilities. If you don't like replacing batteries every couple years or maybe much less in your case, I recommend buying an automatic battery charger and trickle charge your battery back to 100% every weekend or sooner. Even normal driving without any extra draw will slowly drain the battery. That's why some people can only get a couple years out of theirs with average driving habits. Of course, temperature has an impact on battery life also. I almost always get 5-7 years out of my OEM batteries with this method. Amazon sells this inexpensive($32) Schumacher model with a digital readout-

Cool. Thats a good way to see how your habitz affect the battery.

 

[ALafya]

Alternatively, you can get an external battery for your phone instead, so you don't need to idle.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

I have good luck with the Schumacher chargers. https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned) is what I have.