We just bought (about 5 months ago) a 2000 MPV with about 44,000 miles. We just found out our alternator is burned out. Our mechanic was very surprised to see a car so new with few miles has an alternator go. We called our dealer and he said that there seems to be about 4 other orders for alternators for our model and year in this area of Maine, but there didn't seem to be recall.
Has anyone else had this problem? It seems that a bearing has gone inside the alternator (poor quality part). Is this something Mazda should look in to? To whom do we send complaints? How long should an Alternator hold up under normal wear?
Suggestions!!!
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To the best of my knowledge, Mazda alternators are out-sourced. The one in my 626 failed at 127,614 miles. It was built by Mitsubishi.
Send any complaints to Mazda corporate. Their address is in the owner's manual.
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alternator NOT dead, but dirty!
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April 1 2004, 2:30 PM
Strange. Apparently finding an alternator for a 2000 MPV is not that easy(because they should last a lot longer!!).
My mechanic thought it the whole thing seemed very strange and decided to take it to an alternator expert.
After some testing, it was determined the altenator was fine. The expert said that the Mazda has the alternator in such a position that dirt can easily get in side and muck it up. After a good cleaning it appears to be working.
Lesson: if they say it is dead, check it first before you just throw away $400!!!!
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