Does this model have a smart alternator?

Asked by paulabela5 Sep 03, 2022 at 12:59 AM about the 2010 Mazda MAZDA2 GS

Question type: General

Charging Voltage drops down to 12.5v after about 15 mins driving, after it
spikes for a couple of seconds to 14.9v. On start it is about 14.1v. If headlamps
are switched on it goes up to 13.1v. Does this proof it is a smart alternator or a
defective voltage regulator? When reading is 12.5v is alternator charging?

311,675

Gene answered 2 years ago

No the alternator is either charging or idle, the computer controls the amount of volts and amps getting to the battery, this voltage swing is very common on late model vehicles. But if you are concerned you can have a good independent shop check it for you.

1 people found this helpful.

Mark helpful

2,010

Carpentar answered 2 years ago

Usually defective regulation circuit, will include other issues such as inoo gauges and runability issues or no start. 14.+ is gonna cook your battery, low amps in a battery thats more than 2 years old can cause this issue 12v at 250 amps is low most group 26- 56 have 550-850 CCA cold cranking amps thus volt spiking to up amps.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Looking for a Used MAZDA2 in your area?

CarGurus has 152 nationwide MAZDA2 listings starting at $2,395.

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2010 Mazda MAZDA2

Write a car review

Review another car

Used Mazda MAZDA3

483 Great Deals out of 10,789 listings starting at $998

Used Toyota Yaris

47 Great Deals out of 677 listings starting at $1,995

Used Honda Civic

1,385 Great Deals out of 23,316 listings starting at $875

Used Toyota Corolla

1,644 Great Deals out of 27,392 listings starting at $1,999

Used Ford Fiesta

80 Great Deals out of 1,694 listings starting at $2,000

Used Honda Fit

134 Great Deals out of 2,142 listings starting at $2,450

Used Mazda MAZDA6

136 Great Deals out of 1,807 listings starting at $2,296

Used Mazda MAZDA5

17 Great Deals out of 294 listings starting at $1,900

Used Ford Focus

260 Great Deals out of 4,834 listings starting at $500

Used Toyota Camry

2,376 Great Deals out of 43,272 listings starting at $900

Used Nissan Versa

295 Great Deals out of 11,406 listings starting at $1,795

Used Mazda MX-5 Miata

171 Great Deals out of 2,999 listings starting at $4,795

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.

Does this model have a smart alternator?

2 Answers

Your Answer:

Looking for a Used MAZDA2 in your area?

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

Shortcuts

Search Mazda MAZDA2 Questions

CarGurus Experts

Know more, shop wisely

Related Models For Sale

Used Cars for Sale

Does this model have a smart alternator?

2 Answers

Your Answer:

Related Questions