Hello,

I just recently purchased an 04 Mazda3s, and the battery light will come on for a few minutes at a time and then it will go out. And it might come back on but only for a few minutes again. But for the most part it remains off

I had the dealer check the battery, starter and charging system and everything came out great in their tests. Battery has a sticker on it from 10/11. And the alternator looks fairly new too although it has a reman sticker on it..

And the dealer said not to really worry about it if it doesnt stay lit for long but I still would like to know what it could be.. Any ideas? I read on another forum wires might get strained around the MAF and cause the light to come on but mine look okay.. Should I clean the MAF? That doesnt seem to be electric related though

Thank you

 

The alternator's really the only place I'd be looking, it sounds like it's not outputting enough charge under load. When the light comes on, what are you demanding from the vehicle's electrical system? Is the air on? Wipers? Radio? Headlights? Easy bake oven? Fry Daddy?

Too many times I've seen technicians trust their automated testing equipment too much, and this is what can happen. I've seen a nearly dead alternator test good on this stuff, so I don't consider them valid tests. If you can, find out what company remanufactured the alternator. If it wasn't Mazda, take it to an auto parts store and have them test it for you. Odds are it's not putting out the amps your 3 requires, and should be replaced.

 

See thats the thing, Ive shut everything off and its still on.

Ive had my lights on, radio on, fan, and ac on at times and the light is NOT on.

And my battery is still being recharged...So Im not sure whats happening, heres a pic of the sticker on the alternator. Any ideas what brand?