Hi,

I didn't use my 06 Mazda 3 for 4 weeks. It wouldn't start when I tried. I got a jump start; but car died as I was taking it out of the garage. AAA said it has a charging system failure though the battery was ok.

I don't know much about the mechanics of cars. What exactly does a charging system failure mean ? Can 4 weeks of not using a mazda 3 cause a charging system failure ? Assuming a typical failure here any idea (ballpark number) how much this is going to cost me ?

-Ram.

 

You will need to get the battery recharged & then load tested to check its integrity.
Then get the car running & check the output of the alternator.

The output of the alternator is controlled by the PCM.

 

The battery was ok. Looks like the alternator might be busted.

 

Have you rulled our the computer?