MuscleCarDriver
May 3rd, 10, 8:37 PM
Crazy car tale but true. My battery tray was weak so I bolted it on with an arm. Bolt came loose, battery fell right out of the car while I was driving after hitting a pothole. I drove without battery to the store about a mile. Came out of store coudn't start car, popped hood, battery was gone. A buddy went and found it where it fell out. It's now back in tied in tight with rope. Problem: aside from being stupid enough not to tie up battery in the first place... the generator light is glowing BRIGHT when car is off, not while running. Did I damage the alternator? I checked the fuses and replaced one but it didn't fix anything. I checked all connections they seem fine. Any suggestions? If not I hope you at least got a good laugh at this.:beers:
oscar_a_wiggy
May 4th, 10, 9:08 AM
is this for real?
won't the car die with the battery disconnected?
oaw
Finally
May 4th, 10, 9:41 AM
is this for real?
won't the car die with the battery disconnected?
oaw
No, once the car is started the alt will provide power.
oscar_a_wiggy
May 4th, 10, 1:25 PM
but the circuit would be open.....no?
once i went four wheeling with a 1978 dodge power wagon. i hit some really giant holes and the battery tipped on its side and the cable came off the post. the truck immediately died. maybe mopar is different?
oaw
kw1162
May 5th, 10, 6:13 PM
When you turn on the key, typically ground is supplied to the alternator light circuit through the not working alternator. When you start the car, the alternator which is now working, removes the ground from the circuit. If your ignition is ok and the alternator is putting out power, then I would imagine that the battery, as it exited the vehicle, maybe yanked on the wire that removes the ground and maybe broke it. Seriously though, your car gave birth to a 40 pound battery and you didn't notice? Realy?l:)
442 Harv
May 5th, 10, 7:19 PM
As the one post said,car won't run without battery. I know this is not the best way to do this, but what I do , when I have a battery, or charging problem, is to start the car and disconect the battery, and if the car still runs, then I know the alternator is working, if dies need new alternator.
fasteddies68
May 5th, 10, 9:59 PM
Pull the alternater and have it checked at a shop that does repair on them. I think you have a bad diode in the alternater. Maybe damaged when the battery fell out and created a momentary short.