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If my alternator died,could it have shut my car off?

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Old Feb 18, 2002 | 06:41 PM
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Question If my alternator died,could it have shut my car off?

I wasn't in the car when it happened,but I started it and left it to warm-up.I came back 10mins. later and it was dead.Ever since then it hasnt started,except for once the next day,but it ran weak like it was barely running,when i let the clutch out it died.It's not flooded,I know this for sure,so could the alternator do that or am i just nutz?? How can i check my alternator to c if it works???
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Old Feb 18, 2002 | 06:52 PM
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C'MON I JUST NEED A SIMPLE YES OR NO!! CAN THE ALTERNATOR DYING SHUT OFF MY CAR?? And if there's anyway to check my alternator.
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Old Feb 18, 2002 | 06:58 PM
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yes!

If you have an amp/voltage meter, you can measure the output at the battery terminals.
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Old Feb 18, 2002 | 07:02 PM
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YES the alt. dying can shut off my car or YES I can test it?
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Old Feb 18, 2002 | 07:11 PM
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also my car is cranking good but not kicking over.Its a new battery 550c.c.amps,but it drained out from not being used.When i try to start the car I get a jump,it cranks good,but wont turn over.If I come back out later on and try to start it,the battery drains almost instantly.I hope these symptoms help!
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Old Feb 18, 2002 | 08:42 PM
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Yes, your alternator can cause this if it has low/no output.

In my experience a good, but drained, battery will not start a rotary. If your battery is drained there are 3 possiblities:

1. Alternator output is too low(measure both Volts and Amps).
2. You have something draining power from the battery(Check your rear compartment light or other parasytic draw)
3. Battery go bye bye!

Hope that helps!
Mike

Last edited by 89turbo2dutch; Feb 18, 2002 at 08:46 PM.
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Old Feb 18, 2002 | 08:47 PM
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Automotive ECU's won't run a car once voltage drops below about 11V, they just shut down and the car dies suddenly. Once the alternator stops charging the battery, it doesn't take long to drain it down to <11V.
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Old Feb 18, 2002 | 08:59 PM
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Yes, the Alt. can ruin the battery, causing it not to start; and if U don't have the tools to check your Alt. at home, most auto parts stores will do a free test for U if U take the part in to them (Alts and batteries)
Good luck Dave
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Old Feb 18, 2002 | 09:38 PM
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Talking

I do have a multi range electrical tester w/ohms,a/c,and d/c.I use it at work on boilers,will this sufice as a tester for this??
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Old Feb 18, 2002 | 09:47 PM
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Any 12V voltmeter will suffice. The battery should read ~12V with the ignition off and ~14V with the engine idling. If you can't start the car, take the alternator off and take it to an auto electrician. They'll have a little alternator "dyno" to check it out.
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Old Feb 18, 2002 | 10:12 PM
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Will do,Thanx for the help guys!!!!
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