2000 Mazda Carol Struggles with Morning Starts and Weak Battery

Hey there! Sounds a lot like what I went through with my 1997 Mazda Lantis not too long ago. I had the same weak battery symptoms and tough starts in the morning, and really, it messed with my head. Finally took it to a local garage - good bunch, they've never soured me at all. The issue wasn't as drastic as I'd feared. They found out my battery voltage was too low just like yours - not an engine problem at all. It turned out to be a weak alternator that wasn't charging the battery properly. Plus, the battery itself was ages old and could barely hold a charge. They replaced both, and the car was back up and running smooth as ever. When I started having those issues, my lights were acting just as yours are now -dim and unusual flickering. Those are common symptoms of alternator issues too. Anyway, hope this helps. Don't fear the mechanic; there are some good ones out there! And from my experience, this doesn't seem like it's anything too serious.

Hey! Thanks a bunch for the swift response. Sounds like you went through a similar kind of hell with your Mazda Lantis! It's a relief hearing that your problem turned out to be less drastic, gives me hope. I'm curious though if you can recall how much it cost you to replace both the alternator and the old battery? Since they replaced them, has something else cropped up or has your Mazda been behaving itself? Cheers!

Hey! No worries, happy to help a fellow Mazda owner out. So, the whole shebang cost me 290.00 €. Yup, that's right, the alternator and the battery. But remember the cost might vary based on your location or garage charges. I'm just giving you a ballpark. Now as for the Mazda's behavior, an interesting question indeed! Ever since our visit to the garage, the old girl's been running like a dream. There hasn't been a single problem, not even a cough. Honestly, after fixing the battery voltage issue, the engine control's been behaving impeccably, like it's brand new. So no sleepless nights worrying about other issues cropping up. But yeah, going to the mechanic fixed that for me - no more morning grumpiness from the engine, no more weak batteries, and no more funny lights. Hope this helps! Best of luck with your Carol!

Hey, cheers! Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. 290.00 € sounds totally reasonable for peace of mind and a smooth running car. I'll surely take your advice into account and won't be as skeptical about taking my Carol to the mechanic. Here's hoping for a similar result. Thanks again, you've really set my mind at ease! I'll soon be kissing goodbye to my moody car mornings. Fingers crossed, and wish me luck!