2006-10-22 20:54:26 · 7 answers · asked by Claudio I 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
while yes the alternator is keeping the engine and accessories running, the electrical system of modern cars is a closed loop system, whereas the battery becomes a capacitor once the engine is running. if you remove the battery, the system is no longer closed, but open. an open system in a modern car can cause a feedback into the rectifier pack in alternators.
the older alternators back in the 70's were able to handle this feedback, but modern cars, mid 80's to current don't like it. so when testing an alternator, NEVER remove a battery cable when the engine is on. doesn't matter if the engine dies or not, it is not the proper way to diagnose a system.
today's alternators aren't built as well as they were in the 70's, today's alternators strain if having to charge a dead battery, they prefer to keep a battery topped off, vs having to fully charge one.
2006-10-22 21:02:04 · answer #1 · answered by Eric F 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes a car can run with the alternator and no battery. It may not be enough to run all electronics. Thats why when your battery goes dead and someone gives you a jump, they are just providing juice to turn the starter to get the engine to run. After they take off the jumper cables your battery isnt charged but still runs because of the alternator.
2006-10-22 20:59:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The alternator can run everything, but the battery acts as a buffer to smooth out the voltage and keep it more constant. If it wasn't there, the power from the alternator would be pretty ragged and could cause problems.
2006-10-23 01:09:12 · answer #3 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unlike the first guy I know what you mean but,i can be just as smart and say actually it's the alt.belt.but yes a battery that is total gone will stall your car.it's also possible though that your starter solenoid is the faulty part,or perhaps a dead spot in the stater is causing your headache.it's hard to say without more details.
2006-10-22 21:02:57 · answer #4 · answered by jgmafb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never disconnect the battery on a running fuel injected car. This will cause a voltage spike that could destroy your computer.
2006-10-23 00:34:31 · answer #5 · answered by Lab 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, once your car is started you can disconnect battery and the car will continue to run...the battery runs electrical accessories such as headlights, parking & interior lights, radio & air conditioner.
2006-10-22 21:13:48 · answer #6 · answered by sadie_oyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That aint how it works buddy
2006-10-22 20:58:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋