Mazda Starting & Charging Systems

Making sure the starting and charging systems on your Mazda car, truck or SUV is properly maintained is very important. That means the battery, starter, alternator, as well as other key starting and charging system components, should be inspected and serviced periodically. Our experienced, certified, expert team of service technicians has all the needed equipment to thoroughly assess all the components of the starting and charging systems and accurately diagnose potential problems. We then use authentic Mazda parts to quickly and easily replace any worn out or damaged parts. We ensure your Mazda starts and charges properly.

Be Proactive

If your Mazda has a problem starting or your battery has trouble holding a charge, stop by Seacoast Mazda. Our service technicians have the tools, training, experience, expertise, and knowledge of Mazda vehicles to be able to identify and address any issues with the starting and charging system. They're familiar with the common problems to which each of the components is susceptible. Our technicians also know what type of problems, wear and tear and issues each component can sustain. They understand how the chemical energy is converted to electrical energy by anodes, cathodes, and electrolyte in the battery to start a vehicle and what can prevent it from being able to do so.

The Role The Key Elements Play

The battery's negatively-charged side is the anode. The positively-charged side is the cathode. The electrolyte acts as a buffer separating the anode from the cathode. Key chemical reactions inside the battery cause the build-up of electrons in the anode. If a battery is over 4 years old, it should be tested to ensure it's functioning properly and a weak or dead battery won't prevent your Mazda from starting. At Seacoast Mazda we will check the battery, the cables, and the terminals to ensure they are all in good working condition. Plus, we will make sure the connection between the positive cable and the starter or fuse box is secure so the electrical current flows into the vehicle.

Preventing Potential Problems

We inspect your Mazda's starting and charging system, we make sure loose connections or corrosion on the battery terminal will not prevent your vehicle from starting and charging properly. We will clean off the corrosion or replace any of the connections that are worn or damaged. We will also inspect the starter solenoid, all other relays and fuses, and the starter to ensure adequate high-amperage current is flowing into the starter. Relays and fuses regulate how much current goes into the electrical systems of the vehicle and the ignition system. They help protect the wiring and the components.

The Starter

Our service technicians also inspect the starter solenoid, the Bendix or starter gear, and the engine's flexplate or flywheel. These parts turn over the engine and enable the right fuel-air mixture to go into the cylinders for combustion. They know that if you turn the key and you hear a clicking noise, not enough voltage is getting to the motor to turn it. A buzzing sound means the starter solenoid is getting insufficient voltage for it to fully engage. The technicians will also be able to test to tell if it is the starter that has gone bad and if an oil leak has soaked it and caused the damage to it, requiring it to be replaced.

The Belts

As part of the servicing process of your Mazda's starting and charging systems, the service technicians inspect the accessory or serpentine belt for fraying or other signs of wear. The serpentine belt transfers rotational force from the belt pulley to the alternator so it can provide voltage power to the systems in your vehicle and charge the battery. We make sure the rotor, the stator, and the rectifier are functioning properly and the voltage regulator ensures the alternator is providing the proper level of voltage. We ensure the drive belt won't break or is so stretched it will slip off.

Servicing Mazda Starting And Charging Systems

The battery is an often neglected part of the starting and charging systems of a truck car or SUV even though it's the easiest to check. At Seacoast Mazda the battery is one of the first things we check when we do maintenance services on starting and charging systems. We clean or replace dirty or damaged battery cables, make sure the battery has the appropriate fluid levels, and charge or replace the battery as needed. We have a computer-based battery testing and charging system that we use in our maintenance of starting and charging systems to make sure we get accurate diagnostic results.

The Alternator

We disconnect the alternator from the ignition system and test it to ensure the voltage level is not below 8 volts. We then reconnect it and test it again. If there is no increase in voltage, it means the system is not charging. If the voltage is increasing, we then test the system under a load of running the high-beam headlights, heater fan, and other electrical accessories to make sure the voltage doesn't go below 12.5 volts. Our certified starting and charging system experts use only genuine Mazda replacement parts in our ongoing maintenance plan to keep your Mazda starting and charging systems in tip-top condition.

A Tailored Service Schedule

At Seacoast Mazda we can create a service schedule designed to meet your specific needs. We can perform maintenance service on the starting and charging system of your Mazda quarterly, every six months, or once a year if you like. We can help to identify and address the most common problems with the components of the starting and charging system your Mazda faces. We use the latest automotive technology to keep your Mazda working at peak efficiency. Mazda makes some of the most durable, reliable, and dependable cars, trucks, and SUVs on the market today. Our ongoing maintenance plan can help to ensure your Mazda will start up with ease every time. Just simply call or come by Seacoast Mazda today.