Its more than just converting the ac to dc, It also 'buffers' the diodes.
today's smaller footprint bigger output alternators are built on the 'ragged
edge' as compared to our old indestructo models that we are used to. If you
remove the battery cable from a newer car while running you will have to
say good buy to the diodes, as well as a couple of hundred bucks. Once you
cook the diodes ( one way valves) one of 2 things happen, they go open
(nothing goes through), or short ( everything goes through). if the first
happens you change the alternator if the second happens you change ALL
electronics( big bucks) as the AC throughput will damage most if not all of
the sensitive components. Even a sudden surge like a jump start can cost
you big time. follow your owners manual first not last. I too never look at
those thing unless all else fails first, but it has bit me in the butt, err
wallet, a couple of times.
As for the ign box, they are pretty stout by today's standards but AC will
play havoc with them, not to mention wild voltage swings such as those
caused by the disconnection of the battery. this could easily be one of
those instances where it costs money and hours to save minutes.
Rick 0539,2028, 2884( I must be sick, I'm looking at another brick)
----- Original Message -----
> I received the following email this evening. Can anyone help him out.
> I don't think I've ever heard of this. I know I've pulled the battery
> cables on any of my old cars with no ill effects. I also seen many
> cautions about NOT disconnecting the battery cables on the new "computer"
> controlled car while they are running. I still don't quite understand it,
> other than the battery acts like a very big capacitor to filter the AC
> to pure DC.
>
> John
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