1. Home
  2. Automotive Technologies
  3. Alternator Failure?

Alternator Failure?

I have a 1996 Mazda Protege LX, with recently replaced water pump, drive belts, and timing belt.

Last night, while driving around 55-60 mph I heard a semi-loud squeeking noise that came from the drive belt side. Few minutes later, temperature indicator went up, almost reaching "H" level. Barely got into a local Midas. Once there - replaced the thermostat. Idled the car for 15 minutes and drove around the block a few times. No problem, temp indicator is in the middle. I get on the high way, and it starts overheating again. Then - the battery light comes on and few minutes entire car stalls and lost its power. I could no longer start it on the battery, it was dead.

I jump start the car and get it to run. Battery is very low. I get it home and it dies again.

What can cause it? Is it possible that the noise the I heard right before it started to overheat was actually alternator failure?

Thanks to everyone who can offer me any help!

Reply to
NR
Loading thread data ...

This may sound a bit silly, but you exactly described what happened to me when I broke a belt on the highway.

Are you sure ALL your belt(s) are on, tight, and that necessary idler(s) are in place and working?

No belt = no water pump and no alternator= hot temps and no juice.

HTH Mike Mike Patterson Please remove the spamtrap to email me.

The question isn't "are there weapons of mass destruction?", the question is "who has them now?"

formatting link

Reply to
Mike Patterson

Yes, both the belts are on and very tight.

I did notice one thing - when in the past few weeks I would start the car - i would hear a very loud squeek like noise, coming from the drive belt side. It would go away after about a minute or so, and would not come back unless I stop the car and let it sit for over an hour or overnight, then it would do it again.

Reply to
NR

message news:...

Now, this sounds just like a slipping, too loose, alternator/water pump belt. Are they both driven by the same belt? Ensure it's the correct belt--both length as well as width & v-angle. Else, it may never get adjusted to give decent service. Remember that v-belts pull from their sides, NOT their inner circumferences. (Here come some comments, I'll bet!) Good luck & I hope this helps, sdlomi

Reply to
sdlomi

I agree with the other poster that it sounds like a glazed or loose belt, even though the belts are new and "tight". The squealing when cold is a classic "worn or loose belt" symptom.

Also, perhaps there is too much resistance from the water pump or the alt, making the belt slip.

I thought I had a "bad alternator" problem once, since the Sears guys were testing it, on the car, and said it was putting out too few volts, and they did check the belt tightness, condition, etc. But it turned out I just needed a new fan belt, after all !!! $6 later, problem solved.

good luck.

Reply to
Lecher9000

message news:...

Reply to
Vojinovic Milos

I would start by removing the belt and inspect it's condition. While it's off, spin the alternator, water pump, PS, A/C, etc...what ever pulleys are run by the belt. Make sure they spin freely and there is no shaft play which would indicate bad bearings. Also, does this engine have a spring loaded belt tensioner? If so, make sure the spring is good and that pulley/bearings are in good shape.. I have had similar problems with a different vehicle...problem was in the spring tensioner.

Good Luck,

Corey

Reply to
Corey872

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.