Your Mazda Axela alternator is a vital engine control component. When your alternator fails, it will generally throw off a few signs that will alert the driver that there is a problem. If you are a long-time car owner, you’ll probably be able to catch some of these signs. But for first-time owners, this might feel like rocket science.
While the car alternator is a simple engine component, it plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s running. When the alternator begins to fail, it’ll have a ripple effect on other engine components that, over time, will result in expensive electrical repairs or, worse, a complete breakdown of your vehicle.
How Does the Mazda Axela Alternator Work?
The Mazda Axela alternator generally converts crankshaft energy into helpful electricity for vehicle accessories and assists in recharging the battery.
The makeup of an alternator is quite simple. It consists of a spool of copper (coil) and magnets known as brushes—these brushes work by rotating on an axle and brushing against the coil, generating an electrical charge.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Mazda Axela Alternator
When your alternator begins having problems, it will produce several symptoms. Understanding these symptoms will help you spot the problem earlier before the situation worsens, resulting in more out-of-pocket expenses. The following are common symptoms of a faulty car alternator.
- Dim or flickering lights
The moment your Mazda Axela alternator begins to fail, it will lead to inconsistent voltage to your car’s electronic components and accessories.
The first common sign is dimming headlights. If you notice that your headlights get brighter when you increase speed or dimmer when you reduce, your alternator is on its way out. The alternator provides electricity to your headlights. Therefore, flickering is a sign of a struggling alternator.
- Dead car battery
It’s important to note that a dead battery doesn’t always mean alternator issues. Your battery could have reached the end of its lifespan and needs replacing.
A faulty Mazda Axela alternator will not be able to charge your battery when the engine is running, causing the charge to deplete faster than usual. To check the problem, jump-start your car. If it remains running, your battery might need replacing. However, if it dies shortly after, your alternator is faulty.
- Hard start and frequent stalling
It is important to note that your car doesn’t just run on petrol; it’s also powered by electricity, even if it’s not a hybrid car. Your car alternator provides the power in your spark plugs to turn up your engine.
When your alternator is faulty, your engine can stall without warning or even have problems starting. If you ignore this symptom, your vehicle will eventually not start at all.
- Strange noises from the engine bay
While this seems like a minor symptom (cars make many strange noises when they are problematic), sometimes, when the alternator fails, it could be due to worn-out internal components, such as broken or dirty bearings, leading to grinding noises.
- Electric accessories fail
If your Mazda Axela alternator is bad, your vehicle accessories will often fail to work as usual since they entirely rely on electricity. Therefore, if you notice your electric window opens slowly or entirely fails to open when the stereo is on, your alternator needs replacing.
What To Do
While simple, the Mazda Axela alternator is a vital engine component. Ignoring the symptoms mentioned above could lead to expensive repairs or, worse, a complete vehicle breakdown. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, visit a professional mechanic for an assessment.
