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Can a car still run if the battery is dead i.e. will the alternator if working properly keep the car running until the ignition is shut off?
Mluvis
The battery on a vehicle is primarily used only for starting the vehicle and providing power for such things as parking lights, radio etc for when the vehicle is switched off and stationary. The vehicle, when started and running will happily provide its own required electrics by means of its alternator/generator !
Todays alternators require power from a battery to excite the alternator into producing power unlike the old generators.
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∙ 9y ago
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Does a car have to be moving to charge the battery?
No , for the battery to be charged the engine must be running . This means that your alternator , if it's functioning properly , is charging the car's battery as the engine is on/running .
Will jump starting a dead truck battery drain a car battery?
If the donor vehicle is running and has a properly functioning alternator, no.
Why does the alt light stay on?
Check to see if the alternator is charging the battery properly. Use a voltmeter - if fully charged battery should read approx. 12.8 without engine running Should read approx. 13.8-14.2 with engine running if alternator is working properly
What would cause a battery light to come on in a car while it is still running?
Alternator is no longer working properly.
If the ignition is off and the Battery shows 11.5 volts when the engine is running shows 13.6 Volts?
It shows that your battery is in workable condition and your alternator is charging as it should.
Why is your 1988 Chevrolet truck with a 305 engine running of the battery only and not the alternator?
If it is running on the battery only then that means the alternator is not charging the battery.
What does your car battery power?
Headlights, radio, ignition, and other elec accessories. Also turns starter to start vehicle but they replenish battery when running via alternator
Why does your ford ranchero turn off when you diconnect the battery?
It has a Generator that suppllies power to the ignition system through the Battery. New vehicles have an Alternator that makes it's own power once it is running directly to the ignition system.
What can make a car battery die when running?
It sounds like the alternator is bad. If the alternator is bad the battery will not hold charge when running
Should your car start right after changing the alternator?
If the battery is fully charged and the starter is working properly it will turn over and start. The alternators sole purpose is to supply voltage to the vehicle and battery when the engine is running. When the engine is not running the alternator has nothing to do with starting the engine. If the alternator went bad and the battery was discharged then you will have to charge the battery before it will be able to start the engine. Do not jump start the engine with a dead battery if you can avoid it. This puts a strain on the alternator trying to recharge a dead battery and can damage the alternator, even a new one.
Is there a way to determine whether it is your battery or alternator that needs to be fixed in a 2001 Bonneville?
If you can get your vehicle started you can then un hook the battery while it is running and if your vehicle stays running then your alternator is good. If it stalls and dies as soon as you unhook the battery then the alternator is not good.If you can get your vehicle started you can then un hook the battery while it is running and if your vehicle stays running then your alternator is good. If it stalls and dies as soon as you unhook the battery then the alternator is not good.
Battery won't charge?
Either the battery is bad and won't accept a charge or the alternator is not putting a charge into the battery. Have the battery tested. You can hook up an inexpensive volt meter to the battery while the car is running. You should see from 13.5 to 14.5 volts if the alternator is working properly. If it is less than 13.5 volts then the alternator is not charging.
