Are you having difficulty starting your car? Do you suspect that the alternator is causing this issue? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to start car with bad alternator.
Starting a car with a bad alternator can be daunting, as the alternator is crucial for recharging the car’s battery while the engine is running. The battery may drain quickly without a functioning alternator, leaving you stranded. However, there are temporary solutions that can help you start your vehicle and get it to a mechanic for a proper fix.
This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can confidently tackle this challenging situation. Remember, these tips are a temporary fix; it’s essential to repair or replace a bad alternator immediately to avoid further damage.
Can You Drive with a Bad Alternator?
Technically, you can drive with a bad alternator if it’s only for short distances or in an emergency situation. However, this is not recommended as it can put you at risk of being stranded and cause further damage to your vehicle. It’s best to address the issue immediately rather than risk a breakdown on the road.
Additionally, driving with a bad alternator can also affect the performance of other electrical components in your car, such as the headlights, air conditioning, and radio. This is because the alternator provides power to these components while the engine is running.
So, while driving with a bad alternator may be possible, it’s not a long-term solution and should be avoided as much as possible.
What Will You Need?
To start your car with a bad alternator, you will need the following tools:
- Jumper Cables
- Another vehicle with a good battery
If you don’t have access to these tools, consider calling for roadside assistance or seeking help from a friend or neighbor.
10 Easy Steps on How to Start Car With Bad Alternator
Step 1. Park Both Vehicles Close Together
Ensure you safely park both cars near each other, ideally nose to nose or side by side, within reach of the jumper cables. It is crucial to make sure that the vehicles are not touching in order to prevent any potential short-circuiting during the jump-starting process. Put both vehicles in the park (for automatic transmissions) or in neutral (for manual transmissions), then shut off the engines.
Step 2. Prepare the Batteries
Open the hood of both cars and locate their batteries. Check to see if there is any corrosion on the battery terminals. If decay is present, it should be cleaned off before proceeding, as it can impede the flow of electricity. You can use baking soda and water to clean the terminals. Once the terminals are clean and dry, identify the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both batteries.
Step 3. Connect the Jumper Cables
Attach one end of the red jumper cable to the dead battery’s positive (+) terminal. Then, connect the other end of the red line to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Next, take the black jumper cable and connect one end to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
Lastly, attach the other end of the black line to an unpainted metal surface on the car’s engine block with the bad alternator. This acts as a ground and is a safety step to help prevent sparks or a short circuit.
Step 4. Start the Working Vehicle
Once all cables are securely connected, start the engine of the working vehicle. Let it idle for a few minutes to allow the alternator to charge the dead battery. This also ensures that the battery will have enough power to crank the car’s engine with the wrong alternator. After about 5–10 minutes, this should provide sufficient charge to assist in starting your vehicle.
Step 5. Attempt to Start the Car with the Bad Alternator
After ensuring that the working vehicle has been charging the dead battery for 5–10 minutes, it’s time to attempt to start the car with the wrong alternator. Turn the ignition key and see if the vehicle starts.
Do not get discouraged if it doesn’t start immediately; give it a few tries, but avoid cranking the engine for more than a couple of seconds to prevent damage to the starter. If the car does start, let it run while still connected to the jumper cables for another few minutes to build up a minimal charge in the battery.
Step 6. Disconnect the Jumper Cables
Once the car with the lousy alternator is running, it’s essential to carefully disconnect the jumper cables to prevent electrical shorts or sparks. Begin by removing the black jumper cable from the grounded metal surface on the engine block of the previously disabled vehicle. Then, remove the other end of the black line from the negative (-) terminal of the good battery.
Next, remove the red jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the good battery, then disconnect the other end from the positive (+) terminal of the now-running car’s battery. Perform these steps in the reverse order of how you connected them, ensuring that none of the cables’ ends touch each other or any metal surfaces during the removal process.
Step 7. Keep the Engine Running
Do not shut off the engine after successfully starting the car and disconnecting the jumper cables. The alternator, although faulty, may still manage to charge the battery a little as the engine runs. Drive the car for at least 20 to 30 minutes for additional charging.
If possible, avoid using electrical components such as the radio, air conditioning, or lights, as they will drain the battery faster. If the vehicle shuts off immediately after removing the jumper cables, the battery might be too far gone, and a tow to the nearest mechanic is likely necessary.
Step 8. Monitor the Vehicle’s Performance
While driving, closely monitor the vehicle’s performance and look for any signs of the battery failing, such as dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, or loss of power.
If these symptoms occur, it’s critical to head straight to a mechanic, as it’s a sign that the battery isn’t holding a charge and could leave you stranded. Turn off the engine when you reach the repair shop.
Step 9. Seek Immediate Repairs
Upon reaching a mechanic, explain the situation and that you’ve managed to start and drive the vehicle with a bad alternator. A professional assessment is necessary to determine the severity of the alternator’s condition and whether it needs a repair or complete replacement.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to check your battery to ensure it hasn’t sustained damage from the failing alternator. Prompt repairs will not only prevent future breakdowns but also provide the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.
Step 10. Preventative Maintenance
After your car has been repaired, it’s wise to adopt a routine of preventative maintenance. Regularly check your battery’s condition, keep an eye on the alternator’s performance, and be wary of any electrical irregularities in your vehicle.
Schedule regular inspections with a trusted mechanic to catch any potential issues early. This will help maintain your vehicle’s reliability and extend its lifespan, saving you time and money on future repairs.
Following these steps and seeking immediate repairs, you can successfully jump-start your car with a bad alternator.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Locate a Portable Jump Starter: Keep a portable jump starter in your vehicle. This device can be a lifesaver when your car has trouble starting due to a bad alternator. Ensure it’s fully charged for when you need it.
- Use a Fully Charged Battery: Temporarily install a fully charged battery. This can provide enough power to start the car and keep it running for a short period, though keep in mind that without a working alternator, the battery won’t recharge.
- Disconnect Non-Essential Electronics: Disconnecting non-essential electronic devices before trying to start the car. This includes items like phone chargers, GPS devices, and additional lighting. These devices can draw critical power to start and run the engine.
- Check Belt Tension: If the alternator belt is loose, it may not be spinning the alternator pulley effectively. Ensure the belt has the proper tension to maximize the chance of your alternator charging the battery.
- Conserve Power After Starting: Once the car is running, conserve electrical power by switching off all unnecessary accessories such as air conditioning, radio, and heated seats. This will help extend the battery’s life until you can get the alternator repaired or replaced.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can increase your chances of starting a car with a bad alternator.
6 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t Ignore Warning Signs: Avoid the temptation to disregard dashboard warning lights or unusual noises coming from your car. These warnings could indicate alternator issues, and early intervention can prevent further complications.
- Avoid Frequent Starting and Stopping: Starting your car puts a significant strain on the battery. If your alternator isn’t functioning correctly, this strain could deplete the battery quickly, leaving you stranded.
- Don’t Use High-Power Accessories: High-power accessories such as the sound system, headlights (when not necessary), and windshield wipers use a lot of electricity. Using them unnecessarily when your alternator is terrible can drain your battery faster.
- Avoid Running the Engine at Low RPMs for Too Long: If you need to drive, try to keep the engine RPM up. Running the engine at low RPMs may not provide enough power from the alternator to charge the battery.
- Don’t Leave the Car Idle: Idling the car with a bad alternator can rapidly diminish the battery’s charge. If you’re not actively driving, turning off the engine is better to preserve battery life.
- Avoid Short Runs: Driving short distances with a lousy alternator doesn’t give the battery enough time to charge and can contribute to a weaker battery each time you start the car. Try to combine trips when possible.
By avoiding these actions, you can help prolong the life of your battery and prevent further damage to your car’s electrical system. Addressing alternator issues as soon as possible is best to avoid these potential complications. So, always have a professional check your alternator if you suspect it malfunctioning.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do You Bypass a Bad Alternator?
It is important to note that bypassing a lousy alternator is a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution. If your alternator fails, you may bypass it using a fully charged spare battery or a portable jump starter. However, this will not fix the underlying issue, and your vehicle’s battery will not recharge without a working alternator.
You can connect the spare battery in place of your vehicle’s present battery and start the engine. Remember that this should only be used to get to a service station or home; driving extended distances without a functioning alternator is not advisable. Always follow your vehicle’s manual and safety precautions when handling car batteries and electrical systems.
Overall, it is best to have a professional look at your alternator to determine the root cause of the issue and provide a long-term solution.
2. How to Clean an Alternator?
Cleaning an alternator is a delicate process, but it can help maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. Here’s how to clean your alternator:
- Turn Off the Vehicle: Ensure your engine is off and the keys are removed from the ignition. D disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative cable for added safety.
- Allow the Engine to Cool: Before you begin, make sure the engine and alternator have cooled down to prevent burns and avoid working with components that may be sensitive to temperature changes.
- Locate the Alternator: Open the hood and locate the alternator. Refer to the vehicle’s manual if you’re having trouble finding it.
- Remove Debris: Blow off any loose dirt and debris from the alternator’s exterior using compressed air. Be gentle to avoid damage to any sensitive parts.
- Clean the Exterior: Wipe down the alternator’s exterior with a soft, dry cloth. If needed, you can use a small amount of automotive degreaser on the cloth, but be careful not to get any on the alternator’s internal components.
- Inspect for Corrosion: Check the electrical connections for corrosion. If corrosion is present, disconnect the contacts, clean them with a wire brush, and then reconnect them, ensuring they are tight.
- Reconnect Battery and Test: Once the alternator is clean and dry, reconnect the battery, starting with the positive cable, and then the negative. Start the car to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Regular cleaning of the alternator can prevent the build-up of debris and corrosion, ensuring it continues to operate efficiently. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the process, this maintenance should be performed carefully and potentially by a professional.
3. What Killed Your Alternator?
A variety of factors can lead to the demise of your alternator. Frequent causes include:
- Wear and Tear: Over time, the internal components of an alternator, such as the brushes and bearings, can wear down. This is a common issue as vehicles age.
- Overloading: Alternators are designed to handle a particular electrical load. Excessive use of electrical accessories, especially aftermarket ones not accounted for in the vehicle’s original design, can overwhelm the alternator.
- Heat Exposure: High temperatures under the hood can reduce the lifespan of your alternator. Heat can damage the alternator’s internals and degrade its ability to charge the battery.
- Oil or Coolant Leak: If leaks are present, fluids can seep into the alternator, damaging its components and hindering performance.
- Belt Issues: A loose, misaligned, or broken drive belt can prevent the alternator from spinning correctly, leading to insufficient charging or complete failure.
- Electrical Surges: An unexpected electrical surge can fry the alternator’s circuits, especially if the voltage regulator fails, allowing excessive charge to flow through.
Understanding what can kill your alternator is the first step toward preventing future failures. Regular vehicle maintenance, including alternator inspections, can help catch issues early and save you from unexpected breakdowns.
4. How Can You Fix an Alternator Without Replacing It?
Occasionally, an alternator may experience issues that can be resolved without a full replacement. One potential fix includes checking and tightening the alternator belt if it’s loose, as a correctly tensioned belt is critical for the alternator to generate power.
Another approach involves cleaning the alternator’s electrical connections to ensure a strong and consistent charge to the battery. Corrosion or loose connections can inhibit the alternator’s performance.
Additionally, replacing a faulty voltage regulator, often external on older vehicles, can restore charging functionality without replacing the entire alternator. However, these solutions are contingent on the specific issue, and some alternator problems may ultimately require replacement. Always consult a certified mechanic to accurately diagnose the issue and conduct repairs safely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting a car with a faulty alternator can be a risky, short-term fix that should only be used in urgent situations. By utilizing a fully charged spare battery or a jump starter, you may be able to start the engine, but this method won’t sustain your car’s electrical needs for long. The root issue — the lousy alternator — must be addressed promptly to prevent further damage or safety hazards.
Always prioritize getting the alternator inspected and repaired by a professional to ensure that your vehicle remains reliable and safe on the road. Remember to adhere to all safety measures when dealing with your car’s electrical system, and use the temporary workaround sparingly and wisely.
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with helpful information on how to start car with bad alternator, common causes of alternator failure, and potential fixes for minor issues.