Why does my battery keep dying but alternator is good?

Why does my battery keep dying but alternator is good?

Conclusion. When your battery keeps dying but the alternator is good, in all probability, the problem is in the charging system. It could either be the battery itself or the connections between the battery and alternator where the current passes through.

Can a bad battery kill a new alternator?

Yes. The alternator can have a bad diode which allows A/C to flow to the battery. It does not take long for A/C to damage battery cells. Likewise, a bad battery will kill an alternator.

What happens if alternator overcharges battery?

Alternators that overcharge will typically produce excess voltage to the battery, making the battery case swell up, become very hot and lose its electrolyte through boiling. Improperly jump-starting the vehicle can send a surge through the battery that destroys one or more cells in the battery or shorts it out.

Why is my phone losing battery so fast?

Google services aren’t the only culprits; third-party apps can also get stuck and drain the battery. If your phone keeps killing the battery too fast even after a reboot, check the battery information in Settings. If an app is using the battery too much, Android settings will show it clearly as the offender.

What to do if your alternator is draining your battery?

In summary, a faulty alternator can drain your vehicles ‘battery. To test whether an alternator is draining the battery, with the car’s engine switched off disconnect the car’s electrical system leaving the battery only.

Why does my car battery keep dying even when the alternator is good?

There are a few reasons that your car battery could keep dying even if your alternator is good. The most common explanation is that you have a bad battery. It doesn’t matter how much juice your alternator is pumping into your battery if it can’t hold a charge. You also might have something that is drawing power after you shut off the engine.

What should the voltage of an alternator be?

Connect the other lead to a good ground (the negative post on the battery is a great choice!). Your alternator should be putting out between 13.5 to 15 volts. Anything less than this, and you have a bad alternator! If your alternator is putting out this voltage, then something else is killing your battery.

What can I do if my car battery keeps dying?

To check cold-cranking amps, you need a specialty tool. The good news is that you can take your car to AutoZone and they will test and charge your battery for free. Check the alternator. Yes, you think it’s okay, but did you check it the right way?

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 causes battery drain in Advance Auto Parts?

While you’re under the hood (or at Advance Auto Parts), test the alternator. A failed diode in the alternator creates a closed circuit that drains your battery even when the engine is off.

What should I do if my alternator fails?

If the battery is fairly new you will need to start the engine by jump starting or charging the battery using a battery charger. Once the engine is running test the alternator in the charging system. If the alternator fails, replace it with a new or rebuilt unit and re-test system, if the alternator tests ok proceed to the next step.

What happens if you have a bad diode in an alternator?

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. This often happens overnight.