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» Northern California Ford Owners     » Automotive   » Tech Talk   » Is it my alternator or battery? Car just died on the road...

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Author Topic: Is it my alternator or battery? Car just died on the road...
AL STOCK
Its All Stock
Cuzzon
Member # 1852

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I have a one month old Powermaster 100 AMP alternator and 2 month old Optima Cell Red Battery...

Yesturday when i started up the car i noticed the voltmeter was two bars above red on idle.. So i revved my engine and nothing [Confused] I took it for a spin and still nothing, the volts would no go up......

I dropped my alternator off to parts store to have it checked out and so to test it out i installed my stock alternator... Same thing the guage would sit two bars above red... I took it for a spin 5-6 blocks away and the whole car died just coming to a stop...........

After i jump start it the whole car dies after 30 seconds of driving...

What can cause this? And whats the issue?

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Posts: 6498 | From: San Bruno | Registered: Sep 2002  |  :
the50ho
THE50HO
Member # 73

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i could be incorrect, but your battery may have been so drained, that it could not recharge enough to proper spec.

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Too many motorcycles...and now a destroyed arm from Motocross...brrraaappp

Posts: 4056 | From: Roseville, Ca (Sacramento) | Registered: Nov 2000  |  :
AL STOCK
Its All Stock
Cuzzon
Member # 1852

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quote:
Originally posted by the50ho:
i could be incorrect, but your battery may have been so drained, that it could not recharge enough to proper spec.

You mean the cells on the optima?

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Posts: 6498 | From: San Bruno | Registered: Sep 2002  |  :
the50ho
THE50HO
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basically. I've noticed when I was working as a tech that some batteries would end up getting SO low froma poor charging system...they were just no good anymore.

Not saying this is a for sure thing for your car...but a definate possiblity.

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Too many motorcycles...and now a destroyed arm from Motocross...brrraaappp

Posts: 4056 | From: Roseville, Ca (Sacramento) | Registered: Nov 2000  |  :
88gt
Custom
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Your car doesn't need the battery when it is running, it only needs it for start up basically. If your stock alternator was charging just as little as your aftermarket one, you may have some wiring issues you need to address.
Posts: 1482 | From: Santa Clara/Bay area | Registered: Nov 2001  |  :
94gt
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quote:
Originally posted by 88gt:
Your car doesn't need the battery when it is running, it only needs it for start up basically. If your stock alternator was charging just as little as your aftermarket one, you may have some wiring issues you need to address.

that's one of the last things that crosses peoples minds, gunk on electrical contactors... Ive seen alot of systems have problems at work just from the connectors being a little dirty. [Razz]
good luck bro! [patriot]

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Posts: 5777 | From: Beavercreek, OH | Registered: Jul 2003  |  :
the50ho
THE50HO
Member # 73

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quote:
Originally posted by 88gt:
Your car doesn't need the battery when it is running, it only needs it for start up basically. If your stock alternator was charging just as little as your aftermarket one, you may have some wiring issues you need to address.

I agree...I also didnt think that route.

Wouldn't it be true though that if the vehicle's alternator should die, that the car would then run off the batttery...eventually running it until the car died?

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Too many motorcycles...and now a destroyed arm from Motocross...brrraaappp

Posts: 4056 | From: Roseville, Ca (Sacramento) | Registered: Nov 2000  |  :
AL STOCK
Its All Stock
Cuzzon
Member # 1852

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quote:
Originally posted by the50ho:
quote:
Originally posted by 88gt:
Your car doesn't need the battery when it is running, it only needs it for start up basically. If your stock alternator was charging just as little as your aftermarket one, you may have some wiring issues you need to address.

I agree...I also didnt think that route.

Wouldn't it be true though that if the vehicle's alternator should die, that the car would then run off the batttery...eventually running it until the car died?

\

Yeah i think thats what happened with mine... I just got a free replacement for the optima and getting a new 140amp powermaster tomorrow [worship] Then im just gonna drop the car off to some electrical shop to see wtf is going on

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.:: FANATICS ::.

93 Cobra Teal
93 Cobra V Red
90 SSP
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Posts: 6498 | From: San Bruno | Registered: Sep 2002  |  :


 
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