Wife’s car (2003 Mazda MPV) started dying yesterday. Electrical.

Pulled the battery, tested with a bad cell, bought a new one. Installed the new battery and put a multimeter on it: car off, 12-13 volts, car running, about 12 volts. Alternator dead?

I’ve replaced alternators before on older vehicles, but on this car? Geez! I’ve always marveled and cringed at this engine compartment. Heck, getting the oil filter off can be minor surgery. Turns out that getting to the alternator on this car is major surgery, something that can take an experienced mechanic with the right tools 3-4 hours. You have to take a lot of the bottom-end off the car.

*sigh*

It’s not a job I want to attempt, so off to a nearby shop. I’m fearing what the labor bill is going to be.

Remember when I wrote a few days ago about simplicity in design?