P2503 - Think my Alternator is Dead?
#1
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P2503 - Think my Alternator is Dead?
Well, last night was an adventure to say the least!
I left a XdeedubbX's house last night and when I started my car I was hearing a strange clicking type noise. NgoRX8, xdeedubbx, and I popped the hood and the noise seemed to be coming from the belt section.
It was tough to pinpoint as it was dark and freezing outside.
When I got in the car, I noticed my Battery light was illuminated so I knew something was wrong. The battery light usually indicates a problem with the car battery or the Alternator is out.
I thought I could make it home but it was not to be.
On the freeway I plugged in my AcessPORT and the voltage was already too low; 11.7. As I kept driving, the voltage kept dropping and I eventualyl decided it was no long wise to keep driving in the car's current state. Even though there was no CEL on, I asked the AP to pull codes and it came up with P2503 Charging system voltage low. (See DTC P2503 )
Now the quesiton becomes: What exactly went wrong...
By the time the tow truck showed up, my battery voltage was registering @ 8.9 volts (I was pulled over at a Gas Station by this time)
The battery is an Optima YellowTop, been there for about 2 years, the car currently has 52,000 miles on it.
I'm leaning more towards alternator at this point but I won't know until I run a few tests. I'll try and recharge the battery tonight and I've read that you can take a multi-meter to test the alternator. Anyone have more details on that one?
Anyways: here's how my night ended. Always a gut wrenching feeling as you watch your car get loaded onto a tow truck
I left a XdeedubbX's house last night and when I started my car I was hearing a strange clicking type noise. NgoRX8, xdeedubbx, and I popped the hood and the noise seemed to be coming from the belt section.
It was tough to pinpoint as it was dark and freezing outside.
When I got in the car, I noticed my Battery light was illuminated so I knew something was wrong. The battery light usually indicates a problem with the car battery or the Alternator is out.
I thought I could make it home but it was not to be.
On the freeway I plugged in my AcessPORT and the voltage was already too low; 11.7. As I kept driving, the voltage kept dropping and I eventualyl decided it was no long wise to keep driving in the car's current state. Even though there was no CEL on, I asked the AP to pull codes and it came up with P2503 Charging system voltage low. (See DTC P2503 )
Now the quesiton becomes: What exactly went wrong...
By the time the tow truck showed up, my battery voltage was registering @ 8.9 volts (I was pulled over at a Gas Station by this time)
The battery is an Optima YellowTop, been there for about 2 years, the car currently has 52,000 miles on it.
I'm leaning more towards alternator at this point but I won't know until I run a few tests. I'll try and recharge the battery tonight and I've read that you can take a multi-meter to test the alternator. Anyone have more details on that one?
Anyways: here's how my night ended. Always a gut wrenching feeling as you watch your car get loaded onto a tow truck
#2
jersey fresh
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Boston, MA
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Sounds like alternator, i had the same happen to a few other cars. Is there a generic autoparts store near you? Pepboys by me does $100 brand new Alt if you trade yours in.
#6
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Thanks guy, nice to hear I'm not the only one thinking it's a bad alternator.
Since my neighbor borrowed my battery charger years ago and subsequently moved out, I'm now in the market for a new one.
This one looks nifty, even says it can test the alternator. Thoughts?
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...s+%26+Boosters
Since my neighbor borrowed my battery charger years ago and subsequently moved out, I'm now in the market for a new one.
This one looks nifty, even says it can test the alternator. Thoughts?
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...s+%26+Boosters
#8
hakuna matata!
iTrader: (41)
i got reimbursed by my insurance company for getting towed 1.2 miles to the gas station ($84 )..
when I called roadside assistance I told them I just need some gas.. they proceeded to send a crappy old tow truck INSTEAD of the gas I needed.. i kindly told the guy to GTFO.. then they sent a flatbed.
#9
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Thread Starter
iTrader: (7)
you mean your fancy schmancy carputer didn't tell you that you were low on fuel? Maybe you should set one of the gauges to 'fuel level'.
Sorry alz0rz, couldn't resist.
Alright, now back to alternators and battery chargers. These damn alternators are pricey little bastards.
www.onlinemazdaparts.com sells it for $413
Sorry alz0rz, couldn't resist.
Alright, now back to alternators and battery chargers. These damn alternators are pricey little bastards.
www.onlinemazdaparts.com sells it for $413
#11
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iTrader: (8)
you mean your fancy schmancy carputer didn't tell you that you were low on fuel? Maybe you should set one of the gauges to 'fuel level'.
Sorry alz0rz, couldn't resist.
Alright, now back to alternators and battery chargers. These damn alternators are pricey little bastards.
www.onlinemazdaparts.com sells it for $413
Sorry alz0rz, couldn't resist.
Alright, now back to alternators and battery chargers. These damn alternators are pricey little bastards.
www.onlinemazdaparts.com sells it for $413
lmk
#12
I zoom therefore I am.
60 bucks
http://www.pamsauto.com/pc-342324-13...rx8-04-07.aspx
98 bucks for a refurbed on ebay once you send you're old one back: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAZDA...toreQQtcZphoto
http://www.pamsauto.com/pc-342324-13...rx8-04-07.aspx
98 bucks for a refurbed on ebay once you send you're old one back: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAZDA...toreQQtcZphoto
#14
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iTrader: (7)
dont' have a spare battery. What if I throw the charger on there?
MM: recommend taking the battery to be tested?
As far the alternator: thanks for the offer, I might take you up on it. I'll keep you posted.
MM: recommend taking the battery to be tested?
As far the alternator: thanks for the offer, I might take you up on it. I'll keep you posted.
#16
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iTrader: (7)
see the sears link in post 6. thinking of getting that one since it seems semi-intelligent.
I'll try and charge tonight with that thing and then take the battery to AutoZone to get it tested
I'll try and charge tonight with that thing and then take the battery to AutoZone to get it tested
#18
Administrator
ive never looked - is the voltage regulator a separate item like it used to be in ford's or is it integral to the alternator? either way it could be that and just that bit may be replaceable.
#23
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