MP3 - alternator

[ItIMazdaMP3]

Just recently my car wouldn't start and even after being jump started it would die out, so for starters i replaced the battery as the old one was the original, but now it sounds like the alternator is making a whining sound, and my battery light is on in the car. I have tests the battery with the voltmeter and in the passed couple days it went from abour 12.4 to 11.8 V while running. Do i need to replace the alternator or is it some other sort of electrical problem maybe? thanks

 

[Metallic36]

Try replacing the alternator, couldn't hurt.

 

[ucMP3]

Try replacing the alternator, couldn't hurt.

Sounds like your alternator is in need of replacing. That's probably what killed your original battery (or at least finished it off). Your car should have stayed running after a jump start even if the battery was beat, IF the alternator was still working properly.

 

[JoeManNorth]

I know the MP3, and well the Protegs are known to have bad alternators. freggen expensive too.

 

[ucMP3]

I know the MP3, and well the Protegs are known to have bad alternators. freggen expensive too.

How much do they run from Mazda?

This refurbished one isn't too bad...
http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts...content=YN&utm_campaign=PartsGeek+Google+Base

 

[ItIMazdaMP3]

theyre all re-manufactured, it would probably be better to get a brand new one if I were to replace it wouldn't you say? if im gonna do it, ill try my best to do it right I guess

 

[ucMP3]

I don't know if i necesarily agree but, to each their own. In my experience, electrical components can typically be refurbished/remanufactured without much trouble and be essentially brand new again. But it's up to you.

 

[JoeManNorth]

I had paid 340 for mine from mazda... that was a few years ago mind you.

 

[JoeManNorth]

Oh and that is 340 Canadian

 

[lovmyrx7]

I've taken a bad alternator to an actual alternator repair shop. And they just replaced the internal components and cleaned everything up. It cost under 2/3rd's the price from what Mazda quotes for a new one, and it lasted 5 years until i got rid of the car it was in.

 

[ucMP3]

I've taken a bad alternator to an actual alternator repair shop. And they just replaced the internal components and cleaned everything up. It cost under 2/3rd's the price from what Mazda quotes for a new one, and it lasted 5 years until i got rid of the car it was in.

I would say this is not out of the ordinary. Electrical components can be rewired, reconfigured, etc... with very good results.

 

[lovmyrx7]

I would say this is not out of the ordinary. Electrical components can be rewired, reconfigured, etc... with very good results.

Indeed they can. Which is exactly why i don't see it fit to buy a new alternator unless your needing to upgrade to an higher output model.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

you can always have the unit tested before putting money on a new or refurb one. be sure its the problem and such.

 

[ucMP3]

you can always have the unit tested before putting money on a new or refurb one. be sure its the problem and such.

It's only money, Ken... (laugh)

 

[ItIMazdaMP3]

yea I guess it wouldnt be bad to get a re-manufactured one then, probably be around 150 bucks and ill be set for a while with it.

 

[zoomin MP3]

A reman alt is definately the way to go. Besides, most of the remans come with a warranty anyway. Or you can call a local repair shop. One near me rebuilds alts/starters for 125 USD.