Mazda Alternator Replacement 2015 Mazda 6 - How to Remove and Install Alternator (2013-2020 Mazda 6)

Рет қаралды 37,900

3 жыл бұрын

2015 Mazda 6 Alternator Replacement. How to remove and replace the alternator in a Mazda 6. DIY! Same procedure for the 2013-2020 Mazda 6. How to replace the alternator in a 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, or 2020 Mazda 6 with the 2.5 liter Mazda Skyactiv engine.
If this video was helpful, please like and subscribe for more DIY vehicle repairs. Thank you!
This car has the 2.5 liter Mazda Skyactiv engine, so alternator replacement will be similar for the following vehicles:
2013-2020 Mazda CX-5
2014-2020 Mazda 3
2016-2020 Mazda CX-4
2016-2020 Mazda CX-9
2018-2020 Mazda CX-8
2019-2020 Mazda CX-30

Пікірлер: 73

@johngaston308 4 ай бұрын

I know this vid is 3 years old but you guys are quality humans for this. Especially the part about getting it physically out and back in.

@stevenpisano4562 8 ай бұрын

For anyone that sees this, there is a way to do this without jacking up the car. If you own a set of closed end wrenches that are angled at the end, you are able to get enough grip on the lower bolt through the hood. Top bolt is not problem to get to. Bottom one took some strength for sure but I’m no strong man by any means and I got it off. It only needs to be loose to remove. The tensioner isn’t really in the way. Hope someone sees this before they do all this extra work. (Maybe I got lucky on mine but figured I’d let you all know there’s possibly an easier way. Best of luck everyone.

@reydls4314 6 ай бұрын

I just ordered some cause I got to change mine again last time I took off the tire too much work. Just need the proper tools now 😂

@BIGH3AD777 2 ай бұрын

@@reydls4314any specific ones you recommend? I’m seeing too many options in different angles

@reydls4314 Ай бұрын

@@BIGH3AD777 damn I ain’t home and can’t remember what brand I got, I know for sure they’re ratcheting and flex head wrenches. Just need some patience to get the wrench in there.

@stevendennis5472 11 ай бұрын

I have changed alternators on a lot of cars and trucks, this one was one of the worst to remove the alternator once the bolts were out. Very little clearance. I loosened the ABS unit bracket on the fender , that helped.

@jaccaj9895 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks...could not have done it without your video

@timsdriveway5309 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Glad I could help!

@homecareproinc.4022 2 жыл бұрын

This video helped me so much I appreciate you guys showing how it's done. I'm pretty sure there's many other ways of doing this but I got the job done thank you.

@timsdriveway5309 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped you! Thank you for watching!

@joshruner1348 2 жыл бұрын

I recommend removing the intake manifold super easy and to get the wire harness clips off use a 10mm or 9mm socket to depress the back of them, just don't forget the vacuum line on the back. An that was not a joke on those bolts they are tight needed some extra leverage on the top bolt. Thanks for sharing and everyone have a blessed day!

@isaiahmezger5511 Жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Saved hour lol trying to find the winning rotation to get that thing out lol

@savemesamudio9345 Жыл бұрын

putting the belt back was my downfall, thanks for the vid!

@BrianCraigKeith31mm Жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks

@navygurl4182 4 ай бұрын

I did it wow! Thank you so much for this video🎉❤

@betomata4 3 жыл бұрын

i love your boy helping you .... my oldest boy is 12 ... thanks kiddo... im going to get my son to help me to

@timsdriveway5309 3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha that's actually my brother-in-law! But you can bet I'll never let him live this comment down. Thanks for the laugh, I hope the video helped you. And by all means, get your son out there. The extra set of hands will help.

@asecret900 4 ай бұрын

Great tips and ideas... thanks you guys this helped me today with my wife's horrible 2012 Mazda6 (GH) with MZR-DC 2.2lt Diesel. It destroyed its clutch pulley (OAP) on the weekend :-\

@bigkk758 6 ай бұрын

Great video. I need to do this on my kids 2016 and was hoping it was much easier oh well. I might bite the bullet and have a shop do it

@austinglace8826 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@timsdriveway5309 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome, thanks for watching and commenting!

@MrFreePSNcodes Жыл бұрын

The post with the Greyish plastic cover...is that the positive that goes to the battery? I am getting conflicting answers. Doing big 3 upgrade

@gfriedman99 9 ай бұрын

Yes. B terminal

@ilovethebeat101 2 жыл бұрын

Do I need a Mazda OEM factory made alternator? Or can I use a high quality duralast remanufactured alternator for my 2014 mazda 6 touring?

@gfriedman99 9 ай бұрын

I get rebuilt ones from Napa. Lifetime warranty. The Duralast probably is good too. I think its lifetime warranty.

@bigkk758 5 ай бұрын

17mm on the tension arm not 18 just saying. This video is fantastic. I am half way through the job. Sadly I found the source of oil loss I discovered three weeks ago

@alexd930 3 жыл бұрын

We’re you able to use the same retainers that you took out? I thought that was the hardest part getting those stupid things out I thing I broke half of them

@timsdriveway5309 3 жыл бұрын

They were a bit of a pain, but we were able to use all of the same retainers that we took out/unplugged. A small metal pick was helpful for some of them. They get pretty brittle over time. If I remember correctly, a small bit of plastic broke on one of them, but not enough to prevent it from staying connected when we hooked everything back up. I always have to remind myself to slow down and study how they are clipped in before I go yanking on them...

@BMV01 2 жыл бұрын

Before editing, what was the total amount of time to do the repair from start to finish?

@timsdriveway5309 2 жыл бұрын

I want to say it took less than an hour and a half. That was with setting up camera angles and filming/explaining as I went. It helped to have an extra set of hands to maneuver the alternator. We took our time with it and we were chatting throughout the job. Far from a breakneck pace. This is definitely something you can DIY on a weekend morning without too much hassle.

@chrispease6939 3 жыл бұрын

My charging system light came On after leaving work just now. It says not drive cuz the engine could shut off unexpectedly which is scary since I’m An hour away on a Saturday. I have a new battery so I’m Guessing it’s the alternator. Did u happen to have a bad alternator hat would start or die. Did u get the same message on the infotainment screen saying to pull over safe and call a dealer ?

@timsdriveway5309 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris, this was my brother-in-laws's car, so I'm not sure if the same charging system malfunction light turned on. He tried to start the car one day and it wouldn't start. He had a relatively new battery, so he jump started the car and drove it a few miles to an auto parts store to have the alternator tested. The alternator was not charging the battery enough to be able to crank the engine after sitting (although it was giving the battery some juice after the car was jump started). He then drove the car about 15 minutes to to my driveway for me to help him fix it. I jump started the car to move it and did not see the charging system malfunction light you mentioned, but I only moved the car a few feet. If your battery is new, you will want to have the alternator tested. Any auto parts store should be able to do that. There is also another potential cause for the charging system malfunction light (aside from wiring issues) if your car has Mazda's I-ELOOP system. This is basically a regenerative braking system that some Mazdas are equipped with. As you drive down the road, when you let off the gas, the car uses the energy created from the deceleration/braking to charge a capacitor (essentially a separate small battery) which is used along with the regular 12v battery to help run the electronics in the vehicle. A problem with the I-ELOOP system can cause that warning light/message to pop up. If you are able to drive the vehicle to get it diagnosed, try to turn off all electronics that you do not need (e.g. daytime running lamps, radio, a/c) to reduce the stress on your battery and charging system. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you if/how far you'll be able to drive the car to get it diagnosed because there are many variables at play here. Good luck, I hope this helps!

@jeffreyread2055 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tim, I am sorry for this stupid question but how did the auto parts store diagnosed that the alternator was the problem ?

@shammath6228 4 ай бұрын

Do the same tensioner use on a diesel engine

@frankn9725 Жыл бұрын

Do you know what volatge range is on a good working alternator for 2014 Mazda 6? I've had two bad batteries within a year and I think it's my alternator but I can't find what the operating voltage is for the alternator. Mine is currently reading 13.6V when the car is on.

@runningmole Жыл бұрын

That's a decent voltage. Have you had the charging system load tested?

@frankn9725 Жыл бұрын

@@runningmole I took it to autozone to test my alternator and they told me the charging was weak. Currently, the battery is reading 14V a minute after the car has started. Can the alternator's charging still be considered "weak" while providing 14V at the battery terminals? I would think if the charging was weak then the readings at the battery terminals would be closer to the battery voltage when the car is off, which is around 12.2V. This is simple Ohm's law, V = IR, where more current equates to a higher voltage (assuming resistance is constant).

@PilotVinProductionz 10 ай бұрын

@@frankn9725 you are correct you probably have paracetic draw .. have made any mods that require messing with your wiring?

@PilotVinProductionz 10 ай бұрын

@@frankn9725also what type of batteries have you used?

@joshymcdaniel9233 8 ай бұрын

@@frankn9725I’m told those test won’t work with our car (@ autozone) due to way it works as the voltage is controlled through the pcm and increases voltage on demand/ when needed there’s a special way to test according to shop Manual what that way is idk lol same issue going through

@joebega3993 2 жыл бұрын

Any torque values for these bolts?

@Pinkielover 2 жыл бұрын

40ish to 60 ish foot pounds Would be fine

@mcloud2021 20 сағат бұрын

Im now about to go through this hell. Why are mazda engine bays so tight and compacted? Smh and i have big hands.... 😪

@itsbuddy3487 11 ай бұрын

Would i be able to remove the alternator wothout removing the tensioner ?

@gfriedman99 9 ай бұрын

Yes you can pivot it on the top stud after loosening the bottom bolt. But its simple to remove it altogether.

@IndodiToronto 3 жыл бұрын

I just have an issue with the alternator today. Mine is 2015 Mazda....I had to call a tow truck to pull the car...

@timsdriveway5309 2 жыл бұрын

Bummer. I hope you were able to get it fixed without too much trouble. Thanks for watching!

@noneya5996 3 жыл бұрын

If you don't mind me asking what's the brand name of the alternator??

@timsdriveway5309 3 жыл бұрын

It's None Ya business what brand the alternator is (haha sorry, I couldn't help myself)! We used an Ultima brand remanufactured unit from O'Reilly Auto Parts: www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/ultima-4536/charging---starting-16772/alternator-11425/f7cab2ae3cc0/ultima-100-amp-alternator-remanufactured/r112113a/5284854/2015/mazda/6?fitAttr_10040=Show%20All

@noneya5996 3 жыл бұрын

@@timsdriveway5309 lol, Thank you!

@Pinkielover 2 жыл бұрын

@@noneya5996 If you're going to get an alternator get it from AutoZone or Napa or the dealer.. But AutoZone has the best warranty

@gfriedman99 9 ай бұрын

@@Pinkielover Napa and Advance Auto give lifetime warranty. I think they all get them from the same refurbishing factory anyway.

@Pinkielover 2 жыл бұрын

Also it's not a 2013 Mazda 6 in the USA ,, I actually own a 2013 Mazda 6 That would be generation 2 body style Which I prefer more anyway... Don't care for the look of a Mazda generation 3 .. And the 2013 Mazda six does not have a sky active motor it does have a 2.5 though , plenty fast and efficient enough .. with my 2013 Mazda six I can remove the alternator within 15 minutes.. Suggest you change your title ..It would be for the 2014 models and up

@bigkk758 5 ай бұрын

First off fantastic video because while not professional it was so helpful for me. The first thing I want to say is when using the 17mm (not 18mm) wrench to release the belt tension slowly move the wrench towards the front of the car from underneath. Count to 30 while doing this and ai can not express or say this enough GO SLOW. I had no idea what the tensioner is hydraulic and moved it to fast when putting the new belt on. The plastic parts around the bolts on the hydraulic part broke. Now they did look bad when I took the old belt off and removed the tensioner but I forced it to fast putting the new belt back on. I paid 161.00 at Autozone about for a new tensioner plus the 286.00 after discounts for the new Alternator and new belt. If you use just a 17mm wrench you can put the belt on very easy as you apply slow force the hydraulic tensioner easily releases and you slide the belt on. I barely used any force. Getting the old alternator out and the new one in is a bear but unhook all the things mentioned here and straddle the AC hose and it can be done. All n all I lost one push grommet in the process of putting it all back together. Thanks again for the video the car runs so much better now

@taichihead42 3 жыл бұрын

An alternator should last a lot longer than 5 years. That's one of the Mazda's that was built by Ford. That's why it's giving you problems.

@Pinkielover 2 жыл бұрын

mine was built by Ford Alternator is fine for the past eight years

@viivcreations9161 Жыл бұрын

upgrading mine, 100amps is too small for this car anyways like wtf my sentra came with 110amps...

@know916bound Жыл бұрын

They stopped making parts with ford in 2012. Mazda Developed the skyactiv platform "themselves" and released already, then became more advanced and in house overseas in 2013 with release of this 6 on GJ platform and not until 2014 for the US. Also my alternator is original and just fine on my 8 Year old Mazda6.

@Monstacheeks 5 ай бұрын

Glad I don't have to take the motor mounts off...

@bruhcuztrey1677 2 жыл бұрын

I’ll subscribe if you respond🙏🏽🙏🏽😩can I use this process on my 2016 Mazda a3

@viivcreations9161 Жыл бұрын

careful when messing with connectors on that fuel rail...these cars have a major issue with fuel rail sensors and mazda forces you to buy the entire rail if it gets damaged...200$ part + labor. Also use dielectric grease on EVERYTHING you put back.

@azarahwagner2749 3 жыл бұрын

Easiest way is to remove alternator is to remove intake manifold ( 6 bolts ) on the 2015 Mazda The tensioner is a 17 mm . You also remove and install the tensioner with the bolt in the assembly as well as the alternator. Never use pliers in wiring harnesses

@DavidGomez-ws5br 3 жыл бұрын

This was my first thought. So thank you for confirming. Much appreciated.

@stevendennis5472 11 ай бұрын

A lot of engineering on this car, I believe they built the car around the alternator

@joshymcdaniel9233 2 жыл бұрын

Had a bad battery 16 mazda 3 i touring took it to dealer 2 years in battery acid building up clean it and a week later massive build up only on positive terminal’ mazda shop says nope it’s good even thought it has to be jumped non stop’ battery bulged ontop nkt to mention it had a 365 cca …? Where’s that going to help Arizona cold weather? Lol finally called mazda corporate and at 5 years I had had enough car had 24k miles problems for 3 years they replaced battery for free as “good faith” after I called 3x complaining got one of the high performance ones now so far way better thank god it didn’t kill my alternator trying to charge batt’ Update!!! 2022 Closet dealer is 3.5 hours away’ so I called cooperate over a week in advance so it was all set up and I could dip n get batt and go’ Yah right!! After assuring me they emailed gift card they did not’ then when I get to dealer they want a test showing it’s bad even though had bad test papers from local dealership’ They were swamped so took hr to get my car in and then tech said machine says battery is too discharged to test so it wants to charge that will take 4 hrs’ Mind u I just drove 3.5 hrs on the interstate that batt should be charged’ Tech was cool dude though he did something and got It to bypass charging and show bad’ sweet! He threw new batt in’ AWESOME! Time to pay still on Hold with mazda cooperate that took 3 hours on the phone and then she says ok we will send it right now Yah right! After an hr I called back and hold time was over an hr’ so said f it I paid $200 and left’ Later that night they did email me gift card for $200 however it can only b used at mazda and u have to spend it all at one time’ so can’t go n buy a filter some oil etc then use it again’ nope u don’t use it all u loose it What BS mazda’ I had to pay out of pocket and endured a 14 hr day to change a fn batt’ Think this is my last mazda’ they r just getting so cheap and don’t care about customers’ but that’s the world really no car manuf cares’ They just want your money’

@cowtowndaddy Жыл бұрын

Man sorry for your trouble. I'm mechanic and this stuff really sucks. Watch Scotty kilmer video on car reviews before buying next one.