Electrical dies for a second under load (brights/power steering), engine doesn't
#1
Vance Refrigeration
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Utah
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Electrical dies for a second under load (brights/power steering), engine doesn't
Sorry if this is a repost, but I just didn't know how to search for this.
My car (04 MT) seems to have a "weak" battery - when I flash my brights, or when I'm slowing down and braking heavily, or turning into a parking spot, the electrical in the car will shut off for a second and restart when the load has gone away -- the dash will go dark for about a half second, then you see "Mazda RX-8" on the radio, the ABS and other lights temporarily on the dash.
About a year ago I had this checked out and the shop said the battery was holding an extremely low charge, and that I just needed to replace it. Well, I did, and it was fine for about six months - now the new battery is doing the same thing.
What is weird about this is that it is always fine after a second I can turn on my brights and most likely it will do this, but then come on and be fine. And the other weird thing is it has NEVER had a problem starting right up, even in extremely low temperatures or other conditions where I would think a battery might show problems.
Has anyone else experienced something like this or have any idea what I can have the shop look at? The only electrical mod I have is the fog light rewire, but it's rewired to the parking lights, so unless my wiring has gone bad and is shorting out, it shouldn't be a problem. I also have an amp (300W) but this was happening before I added it.
My car (04 MT) seems to have a "weak" battery - when I flash my brights, or when I'm slowing down and braking heavily, or turning into a parking spot, the electrical in the car will shut off for a second and restart when the load has gone away -- the dash will go dark for about a half second, then you see "Mazda RX-8" on the radio, the ABS and other lights temporarily on the dash.
About a year ago I had this checked out and the shop said the battery was holding an extremely low charge, and that I just needed to replace it. Well, I did, and it was fine for about six months - now the new battery is doing the same thing.
What is weird about this is that it is always fine after a second I can turn on my brights and most likely it will do this, but then come on and be fine. And the other weird thing is it has NEVER had a problem starting right up, even in extremely low temperatures or other conditions where I would think a battery might show problems.
Has anyone else experienced something like this or have any idea what I can have the shop look at? The only electrical mod I have is the fog light rewire, but it's rewired to the parking lights, so unless my wiring has gone bad and is shorting out, it shouldn't be a problem. I also have an amp (300W) but this was happening before I added it.
Last edited by Nick; 02-12-2010 at 12:18 PM. Reason: Added car info
#3
Administrator
iTrader: (7)
could be a bad alternator
#4
Check the connections on your battery. Make sure the contacts aren't dirty and that the connections are firm.
If that's ok, I'm thinking you could have a short or an issue with the alternator.
If that's ok, I'm thinking you could have a short or an issue with the alternator.
#5
i'm going to say alternator. cuz once the car is going it should be running on the alternator. not the battery
a weak alternator would also explain the low charge on the battery
a weak alternator would also explain the low charge on the battery
#6
Surf Hard, Drive Hard
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Indialantic, Florida
Posts: 7,840
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes
on
9 Posts
^..........yep!
Wonder if he's got a meter?
If not, go to an Autozone or simliar, they might check it for free.........my Autozone does.
What's your location Nick? Should add it as it really comes in quite useful.
Wonder if he's got a meter?
If not, go to an Autozone or simliar, they might check it for free.........my Autozone does.
What's your location Nick? Should add it as it really comes in quite useful.
#8
Vance Refrigeration
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Utah
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm in Utah, I added it to my profile.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Audio Concepts ATL
New Member Forum
21
09-26-2021 01:59 PM
akagc
RX-8's For Sale/Wanted
7
08-11-2015 07:07 PM