Car problem...

[TwoBills]

Originally posted by: TechnoKid


It is important to keep the battery connected at all times while the engine is running; it acts as a voltage regulator somewhat, what you have just reccomended is hill billy bob's method, ie, a backyard hack. Go take an automotive circuits/electrical systems class at your local community college and find me ONE instructor who would reccomend this 'procedure' you describe, especially on a more modern car where you can't even open the doors if the computers fry.

You do have one thing right, definately want to put it on a charger; don't let the alternator 'charge' it back up. We had a 300ZX donated by Nissan Motor that kept on having to be charged or jumped to be started. Turns out one of the battery cable clamps was loose on the post; tightened her down and good to go. Seems as if the clamping action from the booster would hold the clamp on tight enough...

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Ha, it's a wonder you book worms ever get anything done on a car. I agree w/quitbanningme, pull the negitive cable, while it's running, and see if it shuts down (it will). Then get yourself an alternator.

If your dad can bring you a battery, that'll due you for a day or two, in the daytime. Just don't run any accessories: headlights, radio, a/c, easy on the turn signals and brake lights. Like that.

 

[QuitBanningMe]

Originally posted by: TwoBills

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: yokomo
if you get the car running ? because you put a charger on it tonight... pull off the positve wire while it is running if the car die then yep it is the alt.. if it still runs then you need a new battery.

It is important to keep the battery connected at all times while the engine is running; it acts as a voltage regulator somewhat, what you have just reccomended is hill billy bob's method, ie, a backyard hack. Go take an automotive circuits/electrical systems class at your local community college and find me ONE instructor who would reccomend this 'procedure' you describe, especially on a more modern car where you can't even open the doors if the computers fry.

You do have one thing right, definately want to put it on a charger; don't let the alternator 'charge' it back up. We had a 300ZX donated by Nissan Motor that kept on having to be charged or jumped to be started. Turns out one of the battery cable clamps was loose on the post; tightened her down and good to go. Seems as if the clamping action from the booster would hold the clamp on tight enough...

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Ha, it's a wonder you book worms ever get anything done on a car. I agree w/quitbanningme, pull the negitive cable, while it's running, and see if it shuts down (it will). Then get yourself an alternator.

If your dad can bring you a battery, that'll due you for a day or two, in the daytime. Just don't run any accessories: headlights, radio, a/c, easy on the turn signals and brake lights. Like that.

Whoah....don't agree with me cause that isn't what I said. I was just stating the proper method for doing this. It should not be done on cars with electronic systems.

I get stuff done because I have the proper tools. I can test my battery and alternator. He does not so he should either get the tools or take it where it can be checked for free.

Pulling the cable is a bad idea. It isn't worth taking the remote chance of frying electronics when the problem can be properly diagnosed for free.

 

[TwoBills]

Quitbanningme, I was agreeing w/your pre-edited, pull the negitive (opposed to positive) terminal. I also agree w/not doing this on computer controlled cars, unless you can take the heat.

But I was mostly responding to Technokid's egg headed crack about hill billy bob mechanics.

To the OP. Take it to auto zone, have them check the bad alternator you have, then buy a new alternator, recharge your battery, stick a hydrometer in it, and go from there. This is assuming you've already checked/cleaned the battery terminals and your alternator belt is still on there.