alternator trouble or not? - Car Troubleshooting


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alternator trouble or not?

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billp59
New User

Oct 2, 2013, 12:07 PM

Post #1 of 5 (1701 views)

alternator trouble or not?	Sign In

Hey I have a 2004 dodge stratus and I am trying to find out if I have an alternator problem. I did the start up and test by pulling the battery cable but it stayed running for about 30 seconds and then cut off. I still think it is the alternator but the other person thinks the car would have died immediately and not run for another half a minute so he thinks it is a bad connection somewhere. What are your thoughts?

Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 2, 2013, 12:13 PM

Post #2 of 5 (1696 views)

Re: alternator trouble or not?	Sign In

Quote

I did the start up and test by pulling the battery cable but it stayed running for about 30 seconds and then cut off.

That is no longer a valid test. Reason? Because you can send a voltage spike into the electrical system. What does a voltage spike do? It damages electronic solid state components. These components are usually found on circuit boards inside things such as computer modules that cost lots of money.

If you want to test the charging system, use a volt meter. Connect it to the battery or the output lug on the alternator. It will save you a lot of money unless you like taking the chance of frying stuff by disconnecting your battery cables with the engine running.

Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Oct 2, 2013, 12:50 PM)

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Oct 2, 2013, 12:51 PM

Post #3 of 5 (1687 views)

Re: alternator trouble or not?	Sign In

Didn't that trick go out with the Harry S Truman administration?

T

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Oct 2, 2013, 12:54 PM

Post #4 of 5 (1682 views)

Re: alternator trouble or not?	Sign In

Let him go. We sell more computers that way.

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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Oct 2, 2013, 1:10 PM

Post #5 of 5 (1679 views)

Re: alternator trouble or not?	Sign In

If that wasn't so true it would be funny! Oh boy,

T

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