4 ms·
> But a simple test is to start your engine and then disconnect the positive battery terminal. Do not do that. The battery acts like a buffer to smooth out vol
by Nextgrid 5y ago
> But a simple test is to start your engine and then disconnect the positive battery terminal.
Do not do that. The battery acts like a buffer to smooth out voltage spikes put out by the alternator. Without it, system voltage can spike to dangerous levels and potentially damage electronics.
- mindcrime 5y agoThat's true, but I'm not talking about disconnecting it and keeping it disconnected for an extended period of time. I'm talking about just as a quick test to see if the alternator is charging or not. Also keep in mind that all modern alternators have a built-in voltage regulator that provides first-order protection against such spikes. Empirically, I can say that I have done this very many times in my life, and I have never once observed any negative consequence as a result. YMMV, of course.
- a9h74j 5y agoAt the union of a) works for me, b) YMMV, and c) just as a quick test ... New verb: To chernobyl your car's electronics.