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SECTION SEVEN
polarity sensitive such as ignition modules, ECMs,
stereos, etc. For several components to fail at the
same time, the failures are generally due to some
external influence such as reversed battery leads or
reversed jumper leads. These types of failures are
not covered by Indmar's Limited Warranty.
2. POOR CONNECTIONS: When there is a defective
connection between the battery and alternator,
charging current will be forced to find an alternate
route to flow out toward the battery. A defective
connection may be caused by corrosion or an open
circuit from a break in several battery cable strands
or simply a loose connection. The alternate route
that current finds usually leads to excessive current
flow, causing the diodes in the alternator to overheat
and fail. It is critical that all electrical connections
are clean and tight.
These types of failures are not
covered by Indmar's Limited Warranty.
3. POSITIVE CIRCUIT FAULTS: A bad connection or
open circuit between the alternator output terminal
and the positive battery terminal will force the
charging current to follow a parallel route through
the diode trio and out of the alternator. This heavier
than normal current flows though the diodes and will
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cause them to overheat and fail. Consequently, if you
have replaced an alternator because of bad diodes,
and the replacement fails for the same reason, there
is likely a bad connection between the alternator
BAT (B+) terminal and the positive side of the
battery circuit. Have your dealer do a voltage drop
test to check the entire circuit. Also, never remove a
battery cable when the engine is running. This will
cause the diodes to overheat and fail. Never use the
alternator to bring an undercharged battery to a fully
charged condition. The excessive current draw can
overheat the diodes and cause them to fail.
types of failures are not covered by Indmar's Limited
Warranty.
4. NEGATIVE (GROUND) CIRCUIT FAULTS: The
primary mount of the alternator serves as the
negative ground for the alternator. This connects
the alternator to the engine block which is in turn
connected to the negative post of the battery via
a ground stud on the engine. The ground stud on
the engine holds all of the wiring harness grounds
and battery ground with one nut and it is known
to occasionally become loose, disconnected or
corroded. When the alternator loses its ground, it
These
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