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?

2 Answers
310,665

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.

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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.

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