2002 Mazda Protege Charging light

2002 MAZDA PROTEGE
75,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JACKPOTJEFF
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  • 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
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RASMATAZ
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Check the meter fuse 10amp located in joint box behind left kick panel. Also have the computer built-in voltage regulator checked-out.


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

Feb 19, 2008 at 12:07 PM
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MASTERTECHTIM
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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
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SANDMAN THORNE
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Have you found whats the issue?
Sep 11, 2024 at 4:24 AM
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SANDMAN THORNE
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Got update?
Sep 11, 2024 at 4:41 AM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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
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