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What would make a car discharge besides the battery and alternator?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
All of a vehicle's electicity using devices drain/discharge the battery, but during the time the engine is running, the alternaror is supposed to keep the battery recharged. If the engine IS running, but the alternator is NOT providing enough current to recharge the battery then ALL of the electricity using devices discharge the battery.
Some of the "onboard" computers draw some slight amount of power even when the ignition switch is off, but they do not use enough power by themselves to significantly discharge the vehicle battery.
Any electricity using device which SHOULD be turned off when the ignition is off, BUT... which due to some fault [such as a "stuck" relay for example] that keeps that device still turned on when the engine is not running and the key is off will also discharge the battery.
Or, just leaving the ignition switch on without the engine running, or the headlights or parking lights on, or sound equipment left on will contribute to discharge of a vehicle's battery.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
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Would a bad alternator on a 1999 Grand Cherokee Jeep Limited keep discharging a brand new battery?
=== === Some types of electrical shorts do cause the battery to discharge. But usually a bad alternator just does not charge the battery. Or does not put a large enough charge back into the battery. This causes the battery to discharge when you start and run the motor. The spark plugs and other things need electricity that would usually come from the alternator is now coming from your battery. If your bad alternator is not recharging the new battery, the battery will soon fail to start or run your vehicle. You need to have your alternator tested. It should be putting out at least 12 volts, usually around 13 to 15 volts.
Is there anything besides the alternator being bad that would cause a 2002 Volkswagen jetta to stop running when the battery is disconnected?
No
What does 1994 Saturn SL2 dashboard battery warning light indicate?
It typically indicates that the alternator has failed and is no longer charging the battery. Once that happens, the battery will slowly discharge and the vehicle will no longer start. The battery is simply an electrical storage device and if the alternator is unable to replace the electrical energy used LAST time the vehicle started, the battery will discharge. Automotive batteries are not designed for "deep discharge", meaning that if you allow your battery to discharge too much you are causing harm. Once the warning light comes on it would be wise for you to take care of the problem as soon as possible.
What would make the Battery light come on after changing the alternator and checking the battery in a 92 Chevy c1500?
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Battery light usually means alternator not charging. Most common solutions would be be a bad alternator, bad connection, or loose alternator belt. If the battery and alt test ok than check the connections to the alternator and battery. The alternator should have 2 connections.
Why would battery light go on in a 2005 caravan while driving?
Usually when the battery light comes on its the Alternator, or a bad wire from Alternator to battery, but id check Alternator first.
Would alternator connectors cause a battery light to be on?
yes if one of the wires was getting an earth from the alternator cover or rubbing off the engine the battery light is really an alternator light warning you that the alternator is not charging the battery
Why does the battery light come on a 1996 Ford Exployer after changing the battery and having the alternator checked?
Battery light usually means alternator not charging. Most common solutions would be be a bad alternator, bad connection, or loose alternator belt. If the battery and alt test ok than check the connections to the alternator and battery.
Why is the Battery light stuck on in my 1996 ford contour battery seems to be fine along with the alternator...?
Battery light usually means alternator not charging. Most common solutions would be be a bad alternator, bad connection, or loose alternator belt. If the battery and alt test ok than check the connections to the alternator and battery.
Why would the alternator in your 1994 Mitsubishi galant not be charging the battery when it is not defective?
usualy if the alternator is not defective then its the battery. you should start by cleaning the battery post. then you could check the terminal wire that runs from the battery post to the alternator. if thats not it you should check the ground on the alternator.
What can cause a battery light to come on when the battery and alternator both test good on a 1992 SC 400?
Battery light usually means alternator not charging. Most common solutions would be be a bad alternator, bad connection, or loose alternator belt. If the battery and alt test ok than check the connections to the alternator and battery.
Your speakers in your car short out when you accelerate Could that Be your alternator or battery?
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