Voltage

[ZoomVT]

First, i am not sure this thread goes here so please move it if you should.
I am wondering about the voltage that we get from our alternator. It seems to be 12.5 but i heard people say that it is 13.2. My concern is because itested the wires and i get 12.5 coming out of the connection to the headlight (i didnt check straight out of the battery)

 

[ZoomVT]

(bump) hopefully goldwing comes this way, or anyone that has the mazda 3 guide and can give me some answers.

 

[goldwing2000]

Mine runs around 13.8 all the time when the engine is running, which is pretty much normal.
If you are checking with the engine off, 12.6 is normal.

 

[ZoomVT]

gotcha. yes i was checking with the engine off. that makes sense.
thanks!

 

[goldwing2000]

No problem. (thumb)

 

[splitvizion]

Is it possible to upgrade the alternator on the 04 Mazda 3s hatch. If so, what does this imply. I thought the alternator was some how linked into the ECU and that would take some kind of reprogramming. Thanks.
anthony

 

[TomH]

FWIW, Most automobile alternators operating properly should put out between 13.7 and 14.6 volts while in operation. Any higher or lower will more than likely cause battery problems.