2002 Mazda Protege Charging light

2002 MAZDA PROTEGE
75,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JACKPOTJEFF
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I've been having a problem with my 2002 Mazda Protege. The check battery light is coming on intermittently. I get home at night and the light is on. The next morning I start the car and there is no light, then I drive for 5-10 minutes and the light comes on. (due cold engine?) If I stop the car and start it again sometimes the light comes right back on and other times I can drive for 1/2 a hour before the light comes on. I've checked the output of the battery several times when the charging light comes on. Sometimes it's right at the pass/fail line of the meter other times it reads OK but the light is still on. I've had the alternator tested (it's OK), tightened the belt and cleaned the connections any ideas?
Feb 19, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the meter fuse 10amp located in joint box behind left kick panel. Also have the computer built-in voltage regulator checked-out.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_alty_10.jpg

Feb 19, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Avatar
MASTERTECHTIM
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 4,750 POSTS
replace the alternator. there is a %2 chance that it is a wiring problem %98 the alternator is bad.
Feb 19, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
SANDMAN THORNE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Have you found whats the issue?
Sep 11, 2024 at 4:24 AM
Avatar
SANDMAN THORNE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Got update?
Sep 11, 2024 at 4:41 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
I am sure it was it was the alternator. here is how to change it out and the wiring diagrams and a guide to help you check the connections. There is chance the ECM is going bad and not telling the alternator to charge.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Sep 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM