2001 Mazda MPV Battery Light and Burning Smell Fix

MAZDA MPV
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THEBELLS
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We have a Mazda 2001 MPV van and for the past week there has been a bad smell coming from the engine area, almost like burning plastic. It comes and goes. And now today, the battery light has come on. What seems to be the problem?
Thanks!
Aug 25, 2006 at 2:57 PM
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MIKEYBDMAN
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[quote:23ce2e7970="thebells"]We have a Mazda 2001 MPV van and for the past week there has been a bad smell coming from the engine area, almost like burning plastic. It comes and goes. And now today, the battery light has come on. What seems to be the problem?
Thanks![/quote:23ce2e7970]

Does it kind of smell like rotten eggs? If so, I would say your altenator is over charging your battery. By now your battery is probably going bad. Take it to an auto parts store and have them test both. Replace what is bad.
Aug 26, 2006 at 6:04 AM
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COSMO
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Well thebells,

It is a fairly common thing for MPV alternators to go bad at that milage. But just in case I would have the charging system checked, also if the alternator is bad check for cracks in the housing of the alternator....this may cause it to be difficult to get your 'core' charge back on the replacement alternator
Aug 30, 2006 at 1:55 AM

Suggested Repair

Have the charging system, alternator, and battery tested at an auto parts store. Replace any failed parts. If the alternator is bad, check the housing for cracks that could affect the core return.

Conversation Summary

A 2001 Mazda MPV has an intermittent burning-plastic smell from the engine area and a newly illuminated battery light. Experts say the alternator may be failing or overcharging and the battery may be damaged. They recommend testing the charging system and battery, replacing what fails, and checking the alternator housing for cracks.

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