While it sounds obvious, the battery is often overlooked when dealing with an electrical problem. Actually, the battery should be more of a maintenance item than a repair issue. I have to think by now all successful import specialist shops are relying on maintenance work to keep their bays profitable. Checking and servicing the battery should be part of that maintenance program. Things like dirty battery cables and a low fluid level should never be a problem on a car that is serviced regularly. Of course, we do see cars that have these problems. When you do, don't hesitate to use it as an opportunity to point out the value of a good maintenance program. It's important to remember that a good battery and charging system is critically important to the operation of the electrical system.

Like everything else in this business, we're seeing some computer-based battery/charging testers that will perform many tests with the push of a button. I'm sure these machines work as advertised and, if you have one, by all means use it. But we know they're not absolutely necessary to perform an accurate diagnosis of the systems we're examining. Follow along as we diagnose the charging and starting system on a Mazda using a DVOM and a two-wire test light.

STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS
The first step is to confirm the battery condition. Start by checking the battery with a hydrometer. If the hydrometer test shows a good state of charge, d...