Originally Posted By JazzCat For the past few months my car has been acting up. It won't keep a charge in the battery. It has been taken in to the shop several times and they can't seem to find the problem. It has been suggested (not by mechanics) that it is the alternator. It also mysteriously turns the headlights on when I have not left them on. Any suggestions or ideas?
Originally Posted By MOLLYSMOM It's probably not the alternator. As far as the headlights go, it sounds like a short in the headlight switch or headlight connector. Also...if there is a short in the switch or connector, it WILL drain your battery overnight. ps...what kind of vehicle????????
Originally Posted By DAR My knowledge of cars is being able to point out where the windshield washer fluid goes. That being said, how old is your battery? You might need a new one.
Originally Posted By JazzCat It's a 1992 Mazda MX-6. It's a brand new battery so it's not that. I was thinking it was a short too. Apparently a couple of the belts are bad and one of the bad belts is connected to something that recharges the battery. Personally, I don't think the place we take it to knows a thing but is grasping at what ever they can. They will (hopefully!) be fixing it tomorrow.
Originally Posted By pecos bill Any competent mechanic should be able to either isolate or rule out an alternator problem in a matter of minutes. If your "mechanic" is still scratching his head over this, find someone who knows what they are doing. Better yet, think about upgrading from the old Mazda and getting into a reliable newer vehicle.
Originally Posted By peeaanuut It wouldnt happen to be an MX-6 turbo would it? That is an awesome car. You can usually figure out the alternator pretty quickly. Has he looked to see if any of the wires are frayed? The random light coming on leads me to believe there is a short or a bad switch. What you want to do is find someone that specializes in auto electric as opposed to a general mechanic. But if you are gonna upgrade to a new car, get a Mazda 3. Great car. GO MAZDA!!!!
Originally Posted By JazzCat My sister has a 2008 Mazda3. It was actually taken to the battery and electrical place. They replaced the belt on the alternator so hopefully it will help. We'll see!
Originally Posted By peeaanuut the 08 Mazda 3 is an awesome car. I have the mazdaspeed version and love it.
