Monsterliner
  1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.
  2. Welcome to Gearhead Central. We are an automotive forum for all vehicles. We have areas for cars, trucks, semi trucks, motorcycles and recreational vehicles. It doesn't matter if you are just learning about cars or if your a die hard Gearhead, we have something for you. We have some new features to show you. Check out our showcase which is like a virtual garage. We also have competitions which is our contest software. You have to be a member to enter them but membership is free so sign up today.
Cookies Welcome guests

Wrong or right Battery versus Alternator

Discussion in 'General Automotive Talk' started by Karen May Jones, Dec 17, 2012.

?

Kill myself

  1. yes

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  2. yes hurry

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
Watchers:
This thread is being watched by 3 users.
  1. Karen May Jones

    Karen May Jones New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2012
    Messages:
    6
    Hey guys. My truck all of a sudden died when my son went to gas it up for me the other night. They got a jump and made it home and it died, lights were dim. It wont start without a jump, then it only runs for a minute and dies.

    My step pappy taught me that you can take a battery out of a running car and if the altenator is okay, the car will continue running. I watched him do this back in the early ninties.

    I'm going to take the parts off sometime soon (when I've got some more money), and go have them tested.

    I'm not sure where to start. Maybe it could be a belt?

    I cannot drive the truck to the shop, but could have it towed for 55 dollars :( .. just to have it looked at.

    I"m so freaking depressed right now from this. It just happened right out of the blue.

    My truck is a smal 1986 chevy blazer type. What would you do to start off?
     
    Karen May Jones, Dec 17, 2012
    #1
  2. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2012
    Messages:
    4,656
    Occupation:
    Truck Driver
    Location:
    Nova Scotia, Canada
    It could be a bad alternator. The belt is easy to check. First look to see if it is still there. Then look for cracks and excess wear. This won't cause a problem now unless it is slipping but its worth knowing if this will need to be replaced.

    This happen at night? They don't go long at night with the lights and everything on.

    If it is the alternator, I would look in the yellow pages. Look for a shop that rebuilds them. I had one go before, a new one was a few hundred, I had it rebuilt for less then $30. It should be about 2 bolts holding it on. Remove the cable, remove the bolts and haul it in to the shop. One bolt would keep it tight to the belt. The other one is like a pivot point for the and will hold it to the engine.

    I hope you can get it fixed cheap.

    James
     
    Flexin, Dec 17, 2012
    #2
    Karen May Jones likes this.
  3. tommymac

    tommymac Active Member Founding Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2012
    Messages:
    265
    This is true, as the battery provides the charge to start the car, then the alternator takes over. Think of the alternator as a generator. When your car is running, the alternator is providing power for your electrical devices and it is also charging your battery. When your car is not running, the battery provides the power.

    If your car isn't able to power the lights while the engine is running, I would say it's probably an alternator issue.

    Keep us updated. Let us know what happened.
     
    tommymac, Dec 31, 2012
    #3
Verification:
Loading...
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page