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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 31, 2013, 5:15 AM
Post #1 of 3
(2017 views)
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Myth:
Warm up your car before driving it. Yes and NO on that. If you can't see or clear off ice/snow do your thing. If I need to explain more please keep off the roads it could be my life you kill and I choose not to die from that thank you.
Meet me at Alua Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 31, 2013, 9:28 AM
Post #2 of 3
(1989 views)
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Myth: Great way of checking your charging system is by disconnecting the battery with the engine running. If the engine quits, the alternator isn't working.
While it is true that if disconnecting the battery with the engine running can prove the charging system is functional or not, it can lead to disastrous consequences. Back when vehicles didn't have computers or sensitive electronics, disconnecting the battery to see if the alternator was functioning was common practice. When solid state electrical components started appearing in vehicles, the practice was then outdated. Why you ask? If you understand charging systems, the alternator or regulator senses the battery voltage to determine how to regulate the alternator. When the battery, which also acts as a buffer, is disconnected, the alternator windings through induction produce a large amount of voltage, which can be as high as 120 volts and may not dissipate for more than half a second. The electronics in modern vehicles are not designed to handle this amount of voltage, so possible damage to solid state components is the result. Most, but not all, solid state modules may have some type of circuit suppression from power surging, but that isn't always guarantied to work.
If you want to truly see if a charging system is operational without taking the chance of frying something, use a volt meter to measure the amount of voltage differential across the battery terminals while the engine is running. Most charging systems should be in the range of 13.8-14.5 volts.
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 Dec 31, 2013, 9:34 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 1, 2014, 4:38 AM
Post #3 of 3
(1966 views)
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DS - Too many car myths out there still. Could be a section of it's own or web site.
BTW - My eldest vehicle is 6V Pos ground and has oil cups on its "Generator" -- Alternators didn't exist. It's a brain tease to jump start the thing!
Just smile as if there's a choice
Tom
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