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I think my battery is saying goodbye...

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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 04:54 PM
  #11  
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Welp the lights all came back on after driving 100+ miles today. My brake fluid is pushing 3 years old and when I flashed a light in the brake fluid tank, it's a light caramel color. I'm gonna try to get it changed by my mechanic next week. I recall other threads where people got these lights on the dash and they also needed to get their brake fluid changed. I know the brakes are very sensitive on this car and need the brake fluid changed every 2 years or so...
 
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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 07:23 PM
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You should check it with the brake fluid test strips at least every 5 -7k miles. Very few people can really evaluate by the color of the brake fluid unless it is way over service time
 
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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 07:28 PM
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Old Jan 12, 2026 | 07:41 PM
  #14  
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I got my car in to my mechanic earlier today. He was able to scan the computer and saw that the brake switch is faulty with a code. He noticed my tail lights were extremely dim and when he wiggled the brake switch, the lights would increase in brightness. It makes sense the brake system would be going crazy with error lights on my guage cluster like I'm experiencing. He ordered the OEM part from a local Mazda dealer, so I should be getting it put in tomorrow. It should be a really quick fix. I still got the brake fluid changed today since I was due anyways.
 
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Old Jan 14, 2026 | 01:35 AM
  #15  
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Got the new brake light switch popped in. So far the car is happy with no issues. It's a big relief knowing people can actually see your taillights lol.
 
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Old Jan 14, 2026 | 08:30 AM
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Still good you swapped the battery, it was time.
 
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Old Jan 14, 2026 | 09:32 AM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by chickdr19
Still good you swapped the battery, it was time.
Yah I figured it was time anyways. I know that it would eventually let go at some point this year. Plus I like having the AGM battery in the freezing cold New England weather to help the car.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2026 | 10:51 AM
  #18  
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I replace all our families batteries every 3 years regardless of condition. I used to use costco batteries but they changed warranty and not warrantied for 3 years, now prorated.
Using Walmart Max now, very highly rated with full 3 year warranty. I have a 2023 CX-5 Signature that will be coming up on 3 years in July. For some reason the OEM batteries seem to last longer but I will decide to replace or go no longer than 4 years.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2026 | 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by noeffort
I replace all our families batteries every 3 years regardless of condition. I used to use costco batteries but they changed warranty and not warrantied for 3 years, now prorated.
Using Walmart Max now, very highly rated with full 3 year warranty. I have a 2023 CX-5 Signature that will be coming up on 3 years in July. For some reason the OEM batteries seem to last longer but I will decide to replace or go no longer than 4 years.
Why would you do this? This tells me that you do not check the batteries condition at least once a year?
COSTCO does not manufacture their own batteries but relabels them from different battery manufactures. (with their permission under a contract between them) so many time you have NO idea who the manufacture is unless you do the extra research and look for that information. Have a "FULL warranty on a battery only works if you are in an area that can pro-rate and or exchange your battery warranty. COSTCO is not everywhere. And no they will not reimburse you for a replacement battery that you had to buy from another source if your Costco was not around or if they could not make arrangements with a battery retailer that has the same manufactured battery. OEM Mazda batteries are not manufactured by Mazda. And NO, they do not last any longer than the average battery. The batteries longevity is directly influenced by how the owner uses his vehicle. The other thing as I have mentioned very few look at their battery manufactured date nor do they have it load tested before leaving the place they purchased from? So, you really have no clue as to how old the battery actually is or the exact state of its health.

Basically, planning as you do on how to replace a battery is BAD IDEA

 

Last edited by Callisto; Feb 7, 2026 at 11:44 AM.
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