Hi everyone,

I could really use your technical advice as I'm sure you are familiar with this car/problem. I have a 2003 Mazda 6, Auto, 2.3L with 50,700 miles on it.

Two days ago the battery light came on while driving. After work the the car would not start and the battery was dead. I jumped it and drove it to the nearest service station. While the driving, the battery light remained on and the car would only drive in third gear (weird).

At the station I had the battery replaced they recomended that I get a new alternator soon because the current one was putting out too much voltage (around 15-16Volts). I decided to wait on the new alternator and drove the car a few miles home (still stuck in 3rd gear) and the next morning the new battery was completely dead again.

Through all of the troubleshooting I have done, I have found the following facts:

1. The battery is being overcharged @ around 15-16 volts
2. The battery will completely drain when the car is sitting and not even running
3. The vehicle will only drive in 3rd
4. The 100amp fuse is not tripped

Please let me know of any ideas you may have about the cause of the problem. Would a new alternator fix it?? I'm not sure if the 6 alternator has an internal voltage regulator or if the computer does the regulation.

Thanks

Casey

 

Thats wierd how the car will only drive in 3rd...I would say try to replace the alternator. If it is not putting out the right voltage it could be to much for the battery. I would also have it checked out to make sure mazdas computer system is working as well...just my 2 cents...

 

I guess you better check out the altenator.

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sounds like the voltage regulator in the alt is going bye bye

 

It doesn't make sense that the battery would be completely discharged after one night of sitting, especially if the alternator is overcharging. Check for a drain by disconnecting the positive cable and sliding it across the top of the positive post on the battery, when everything is turned off you should get no spark. If you get a big spark it means you have a drain somewhere.



Josh
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