A friend 1995 Mazda 626 alternator belt cut while driving , battery light came on and not too long the car cut off. If cranks and sounds like it want to start only on the first try and thereafter, it sounds like a broken timing belt. Timing belt has been check and it is ok. All the spark plugs smell like fuel. It also sound like it getting flooded. Don't know what to check. Help [email protected] all the way in Africa.

When you say everything goes dead are we talking all lights, radio, wipers? If so, main power or ground cables bad or fusible link. If just engine, check coil, ignition module, crank/cam position sensor.

If the alternator is on the top in the open, just loosen the alternator bolts a little bit. Then push the alternator to loosen the belt to remove it. Do the opposite to put the new belt on.

If the alternator is buried under a lot of other things, it's a lot tougher job.
Hope this helps.

Sounds like you may have some collapsed engine mounts.Let me know.

What they mean is there is no obvious problems. What else runs off that belt? Check for misalignment there. What makes it break? Does it happen after a long trip ( 2 hrs. highway driving) or at timed intervals ( every month, 6wks)?
Carefully check all the pulley's for sharp edges or bump outs into the belt. If you find anything use a small file and smooth them out. They can cut or pinch your belt and weaken it so it breaks over time.
Check the pulley alignment with the engine running where you can see all the pulleys and belts at the same time. This might mean crawling under the car. Vary the engine speed while you watch and take it up to cruising speed. You are looking for something to change, i.e a pulley to start wobbling. It could be a mounting bracket that bends at higher revs that needs to be replaced or strengthened.
Hope this helps.

Sounds like you have burned a belt off the pulley for the alternator and water pump. Dont drive the car until you have verified the belt is intact and the water pump is turning. Something had to have caused it if it did, I would suspect water pump, alternator, or air conditioning compressor has siezed if your car is equipped with it.

It can be as simple as the funny belt tensioner on the alternator!

I hope you got a simple volt meter to check the voltage.


12.8-13.6V is a health battery.

Get someone to help you to put tension on alt. belt.

If it does not look good then change it.

Double check all belts.

The should not give over 1/2" I like to keep them 1/3" of less.

Tighten all connections.

Pull spark plug cap one at at time to check for corrosion.

The coil can cause a lot of problem.

Spend time to grounding and secure all coil boot.


Good luck

A 626 has two belts. One drives the power steering and water pump (rear belt in 6 cyl) and other front belt drives the a/c and alternator. On the 4 cyl, the front belt drives the power steering and the a/c, and the rear belt drives the water pump and the alternator. All of these are easy to change.

there should be a tensioner, put a wrench on it or ratchet(can even buy the tool at local parts store) spring loaded so u have to give it some muscle

the letters should be on the fender or back trunk lid. if there is nothing there then it will be LX

If the charge light is flashing, then staying on, there is something wrong w/ the charging system. Most parts stores offer a free check of your charging system. Have it checked out, there's a good chance u need a new alternator. Let me know what u find. Good luck!