Charging battery with bad alternator

Tiny
SELROD656
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 SATURN ION
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
My alternator went out. It will start using a battery charger but then drains after I disconnect charger. My battery is in the trunk of the car. Can I leave the charger connected while driving to work then disconnect it when I get there?Or will it damage the battery?
Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 AT 10:12 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not sure why you would leave it connected. It won't be plugged into power. Also, you don't want to risk one of the connectors shorting. I wouldn't recommend it.

As far as the alternator, it really isn't too hard of a job. Take a look through this link. It explains how in general how it's done.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

If you look at the attachments below, they provide the directions specific to your vehicle. This is what I would recommend doing.

I'm not sure what how the battery would benefit from being connected to a charger while driving. It isn't something I am comfortable recommending. I hope you understand.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 9:20 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links