Can a bad alternator cause a battery to go dead?

Diodes should allow current to pass in only one direction, but a bad diode will keep the charging circuit open even when the engine in not running, allowing the battery to go dead. This often happens overnight. Even when the alternator is functional, if the wiring between it and the battery is damaged, it won’t keep the battery charged.

What causes a car battery to go dead?

A malfunctioning diode in the alternator can create a parasitic drain on a car’s battery. Diodes should allow current to pass in only one direction, but a bad diode will keep the charging circuit open even when the engine in not running, allowing the battery to go dead.

How can I tell if my alternator is charging the battery?

Use your multimeter (if you don’t have one get one). Turn it to dc volts put your leads on your battery (with the car running), if your alternator is charging it should read from 13.5V-14.5V (thats a good charge). If your not getting a reading from there you can check your output from your alternator.

Why does my Chevy Silverado battery drain while driving?

If it is draining while your Silverado is off, it’s usually caused by something that is drawing current that shouldn’t be. If the battery is draining while you’re driving, that is probably going to be the alternator or battery. There are other situations as well.

Can a bad alternator drain a car battery?

A car alternator recharges the battery and powers certain electrical systems like lights, radio, air-conditioning, and automatic windows. If your alternator has a bad diode, your battery can drain. The bad alternator diode can cause the circuit to charge even when the engine is shut off, and you end up in the morning with a car that won’t start.

What happens when the alternator of a car is dead?

The alternator and the car’s battery work hand in hand. A good battery should give you service for the next five years before its lifespan ends. If your battery is dead, then it will not give power to the car’s alternator. The alternator normally lasts longer than the battery.

If it is draining while your Silverado is off, it’s usually caused by something that is drawing current that shouldn’t be. If the battery is draining while you’re driving, that is probably going to be the alternator or battery. There are other situations as well.

What happens to the 12 volt battery in a Chevy Silverado?

Our 2004 Chevrolet silverado 1500 doesn’t kill the 12 volt when the truck is shut off, which means if we forget about the radar detector, it will stay on until will either unplug it or the battery dies (hasn’t died yet). Was this answer helpful?