Recently replaced the alternator and battery in my car. A couple of days ago though the charge light and 4w AWS light started coming on, in addition to the smog/air pump clicking on and off. There doesn't seem to be any conditions for this to happen; its completely random and is lasting anywhere from a couple seconds to a few minute intervals. It does not appear to be affecting the cars performance but I have only been trying to diagnose it so it has not been pushed hard. Checked the amps for the alternator and the battery, they are fine.

I think it may be either a bad solenoid or a loose ground but thought I would get some more professional insight before I started ripping into the rats nest or or what not.

Thanks in advance,

Pete

 

When air pump is on.... charge light and ABS light shut off.

air pump turns off... charge light and ABS light turn on.

Shop manual offers no insight from referencing sections F and G. Any insight greatly appreciated!

Pete

 

those are the typical signs of a bad alternator. does the alternator feel hot? check all the connections first then recheck the alternator. Is it used/rebuilt/no name? sometimes thats the problem.

 

Brand new from NAPA. its putting out the right amperage, charging the battery sufficently, and does not feel hot. :/

 

I agree with Bill. It could still be a bad alternator.

I went through months of dealing with rebuilt alternators, chain-store alternators, and they all bench tested "good", but didn't work IRL.

What solved my problem was buying a reman alternator directly from Mazda.

 

I had mine rebuit by a local guy. $68.00 he said I had one or two bad Diodes. Problem solved.