Jump Starting
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 110
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville FL
Jump Starting
Hey, I have had the occasional battery drain and had to use jumper cables to get my '79 started. I was told it is ok to use the alternator to do this since the battery is difficult to get to. Has anyone had problems using this method (damage to the alternator or electrical system)?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 110
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville FL
The last drain was from a new AC/heater control that I installed. For some reason the fan does not go off if the car is shut down with the AC still turned to the "on" position. Sometimes the drain is from sitting up too long.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Have you considered putting in a shut-off switch at the negative battery post? Also, try taking out the interior delay module.....see if that solves your problem - if you want the lights to still work just jumper the white wires.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 1
From: Belle River Ontario
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Well , I'd find and fix the drain and jump from the battery myself. I'm sure one wrong move and you're gonna end up in a world of hurt replacing more than just a battery!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
It's OK to charge the battery using the alternator lugs (positive and ground). But, it's not OK to start the car with that setup. You need to charge the battery adequately, then remove the jumpers and start the engine. If you want to start the engine using jumper cables, they should be connected directly to the battery.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 110
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville FL
Nobody actually told me to jump the car this way, but I did see it done once.
The method does work, but if there is a possibility of damaging the alt or electrical system, I will go back to jumping from the battery.
The method does work, but if there is a possibility of damaging the alt or electrical system, I will go back to jumping from the battery.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 871
Likes: 73
From: Memphis Tennessee
An underhood jump point would be handy. A lot of late model GM trucks use one as it is near impossible to get jumper cables on the side terminal batteries.
Just run a cable from it to the starter lug, not the alternator.
Just run a cable from it to the starter lug, not the alternator.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you think you need to have a separate "jump start" connection under the hood......fix your car's battery/cable/starter/solenoid problems. I've had 4 Corvettes over many years and have needed a jump-start 1 or 2 times.