Bad Alternator or Bad Battery, Easy Solved

[@mo_ascend1107]

We need more people like this. Great video straight to the point.

[@christyhickman3878]

Save me tons of money

[@lordawesometony2764]

Not the mechanic we deserve, but the mechanic we need

[@Dhi-fe5eu]

As a beginner at this moment wondering if it’s the battery or alternator. Great video! Couldn’t be explained any easier. Thank you

[@ernie16029]

this guy so confident..i believe in him

[@thomasbriansavingmoney]

your very kind, thanks for the great comment. if i dont believe what i say, i dont talk. ha. thanks for watching.

[@electris408]

Too funny

[@fuamfuk1070]

Nice video bro.

[@keepitthoro6768]

Lol

[@BrandonVoorhees]

LOL!

[@amjadzidaoi4011]

I have tried this trick on my 2008 hyundai sonata v6 and it shut off and I was able to diagnose a bad alternator. Thanks a million my friend

[@boxzedge93]

4yrs ago and I'm just seeing this vid due to the battery light staying on. Hell of a save!! Much respect. Love the confidence.

[@jessicacrews8184]

Guy at auto zone said not to do that but he also spent 20 min trying to find muffler bearings for me

[@ringdingersworldwide741]

🤣

[@everything2872]

Lmfaoooo

[@aaronakamatt1747]

Bunch of college nerds work there that don’t know crap lol

[@thomasbriansavingmoney]

ha ha, i love it.

[@thomasbriansavingmoney]

i think that is where James works !!! ouch

[@islandtrooper4x432]

I like your vidz, no BS, to the point, not an annoying voice and no selfie's or attempts at stardom. Thank you humble, qualified mechanic. much appreciated Sir.

[@robertmaimone8733]

Excellent vid, sir, saved me about 100.00, my dad, who passed in 2001, told me, but your vid brought it all back, thanks again and God Bless You.

[@lusinemanukian2567]

thank you very much for making this video! I took my car to a shop and they told me it was the alternator and that it was going to cost me around $300 to fix, but I decided to do some research and stumbled upon your video. I did exactly everything you said on the video and I just discovered that it wasn't my alternator! I just saved myself $300!!!

[@hammy316]

Hey i know its a year how long did your alternator stay strong since your comment

[@332k9]

😅😅😅😅

[@warriormanmaxx8991]

@@hammy316 - why do you need to know that alternator information?

[@sisyoudontwantthissmoke5184]

A friend sent me this video... I’ve been going back and forth between thinking my battery is going out or my alternator.. several opinions from people after I tell them what my car has been (and hasn’t) been doing .. pretty much 50/50 on what the problem is... definitely didn’t want to take it in for some guy to treat me like I’m an idiot and sell me something I don’t need... so I tried it... now convinced it’s the alternator. Thank you for the short simple test trick! Made my life so much easier and for sure saved me some money (and headache)! Oh and loved the “rearrr rearrr” noises... loved the boo hoo reset your radio station! The unplugging of your actual computer had me dying!!! Common sense isn’t so common anymore! For sure subscribed and liked!!

[@vladdangel]

How old is your car? if it's a newer model this will NOT test if it's the alternator. Removing the battery shuts down the ECM (computer that runs the car) and will flip a kill switch on your engine to try to stop it from overloading. Doing this can create a feedback loop creating voltage upwards of 30 VOLTS which can actually fry a good alternator! The only test I know of is to use a voltage meter. Test the voltage before you start your engine and you should have around 12.4 - 12.6v. After you start it and run the engine or rev it up it should test at 14 volts. Again, to repeat, this method does not work on newer cars. This method can fry your alternator or ECM. Test with a volt meter ONLY.

[@sisyoudontwantthissmoke5184]

Tek Rx Greetings... my car is a newer model Ford Escape. .. the test was correct.... I’ve since taken my car in to have the battery tested... yup sure is fine.. no my computer isn’t fried.... I didn’t even have to reset my radio... .. The test was more of a... should I spend $150 on a battery or $150 on an alternator.... like I said in my comment.... several mechanic friends said battery... several said alternator... this just sealed the deal on who was right. Yes I know you’re probably thinking.... well why didn’t she just have one of them test out the battery? Answer.... sheer stubbornness that’s all.

[@vladdangel]

That's great, so it was the alternator after all? Hopefully everything is working well after the repairs. Honestly I've been googling, watching videos, and reading everything I can. I ended up finding quite a few people saying what I said here. I still need to get my hands on a volt meter so I can test everything. Just got a new battery since all 6 cells were bone dry, trying to pinpoint why that happened right now. Either way, I'm glad everything worked out for you. I just got scared of the "test" here after reading how badly it can screw up your car. The funny thing is they say it can actually fry your alternator doing this test this way.

[@williamnonapplicable8360]

Old news for anyone who has a yard mechanic like my dad. Having said this, this was well done and needed. Thanks

[@TorontoVeganTravellers]

My Dad told me about this test and I never believed him, thanks for posting the video!

[@offmyleg1]

Me too

[@bryanabreu2306]

Same lol

[@saloudemarwat]

Always Trust Your Elders ,Your Life Will Be Good😊

[@haroldlawson3567]

So you’ll trust a stranger before your dad? Ouch!!! 🤣

[@andyp9131]

This is a simple way. Bro great video .no buying a multimeter like others say. This has been about for years and every mechanic or ex mechanic should know this and not make people buy a Something they don't need. Give you 5 stars bro .you beat me to it

[@redgoosearcadegamers2751]

I have been using this trick for years glad someone put it out there to help others great job

[@BrotherPharaoh]

I haven’t had such a grand time watching a mechanic video in a while. This is comedy gold. Great vid.

[@lisacorbell]

Smart, simple, and so clearly explained! Thank you for making it so easy to understand and also for getting right to the point! You should make more helpful videos (if you haven't already, sorry I hadn't checked) like this because you definitely have a knack for it!

[@PhilippinesOnDemand]

You are 100% correct! I learned this on the farm back in 1972 and it hasn't changed since. I've done this multiple times over the years. Nailed it.

[@alex-chicago-80]

Straight to the point. But the alternator could still be running the car but under the normal voltage, and you can only test that with a meter. If that's the case, you still need to replace it.

[@BoomerKeith1]

I know you posted this 4 years ago, however, this little video just saved me serious money!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! Subscribed.

[@robertvining6088]

I've been checking alts like that for years and it still works! Lol. Great video and great since of humor. Nice

[@Rnsh-12-t9]

Sir this was short and clear, with evidence. Who did not want to save money and solves problems.

[@Mark-ug6bp]

Thanks for the video! Tested this today when I replaced a truck battery being concerned about the alternator and this answered my concerns!

[@offmyleg1]

You r the best!..I've been using the "technique" for 30 years...if u go through the 1000 videos on KZbin they are 20 minutes long and absolutely none of them show u this. Thanks again, I thought I was going crazy.

[@mapleone6612]

Thank you, Sir, for the for the GREAT Videos.You don't beat around the Bush ... you get right to the point. That's the way it should be done. I like the way you explain things, very easy to understand, very precise & concise.I have subscribed to your channel & liked your videos because they are invaluable and easy to understand...I especially like the "Do's" & "Don't" that you point out as to avoid errors.You are a great teacher.Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, which is greatly appreciated.

[@ManJO601]

You are RIGHTON Thomas and BULLSHIT to those who donot agree! I am turning 69 Jan.22 & been a mechanic for 45 yrs. The only thing removing your battery from car affects is usually just having to reset your clock time on your radio! And like Thomas says BOO HOO LOL I say to people I just saved you BIG $$$$$ next time I can lie & replace both alternator & battery, just like most garages do. Called pay me now or be ripped off! Great stuff Thomas

[@12354895654657]

You did a fine job explaining this about the battery and alternator! Thank you very much!

[@thomasbriansavingmoney]

you got it, thanks for watching.

[@k_hunt]

This has to be one of the best automotive tips ever. Thank you!

[@tammybaldwin4916]

Man I love you... TO THE POINT AND THE SIMPLEST EASIEST TO UNDERSTAND ANSWER EVER. now if I wasn’t afraid to touch the battery🤣🤣🤣

[@shareenobles9978]

I'm sitting in my truck now thinking this same thing lmao

[@sau7148]

Old comment but a 12 volt battery will barely do anything to u 😂it’s a big battery but it’s only 12v

[@nicholasrobles1565]

this guy just saved me 260 bucks plus maybe labor too so who knows. Thanks man. 4 years later still saving people some money lol

[@p.l.7227]

A little story. I was driving on a highway when the battery lamp started flickering. I managed to get all 10 kilometres to home but the systems started to fail on the way. The engine lost power and could not rev fast. The last thing that failed was the electric power steering and the car was hard to steer the last km. After this event the battery voltage was under 11 volt. After changing the alternator the following things materialized. The power steering that had been a little unstable at high speeds was now rock steady, The aircondition that had been loosing effect was back in full vigor. And the engine that had been I little rough in idle was now humming nicely in idle. The lesson is, that if a car suffers of the above minor issues, then the alternator is properly due for retirement.

[@t-rev-from-malibu]

omg this is literally exactly my problem thanks😂

[@beejj6190]

Great video...I wonder if anyone has any comments on my situation: Now my battery (a year old Varta) has been suffering from a drain in my car - to the point it has been going increasingly flat. But... the last three days my car started cutting out while driving... yet, I could re-start it (so not a starter motor issue) and drive on. But today it finally decided it would cut out more than ever before (multiple times) and totally drain the battery - which, to me, suggests eitrher 1) An alternator no longer powering the bad battery or 2) The bad battery is now basically dead (so whatever the alternator does no longer matters). I managed to jump-start (after 10 mins) off my partner's car as a test... and only got about half a mile before it cut out again. I'll be replacing the battery asap. But do i also have an alternator problem? Of course, i will confirm this when I finally manage to get the car from where I had to leave it!

[@regulareverydayhalfbirdguy]

@@beejj6190 What was your issue, were you able to isolate it?

[@beejj6190]

@@regulareverydayhalfbirdguy - Yes... a major soap opera / £75 lighter with a dodgy mechanic and my OWN fkin net research / process of elimination [starting with an epic fuel pump fit problem solve after one end of the old fuel pump snapped off in one of the rubber connectors... sigh]... *it was debris in my fuel tank gettingb into the injectors* . *Bottom Line : A £7 bottle of Redex poured into my fuel tank solved my problem virtually instantly (once it got working through)* . Had to get a new battery anyway as the old one was done. Good luck, mate.

[@xklusivestr8musica461]

This guy is 100%accurate listen to him he knows what's he is saying and doing.👍👍👍👍

[@ltwadley7619]

I wished I would have watched this video a few hours ago. It would have saved my $25 at the repair shop. Thanks for uploading.

[@shiningemperor850]

You are so good and down to earth, effective communication that most people will appreciate your video.

[@thomasbriansavingmoney]

thank you for the great comment.

[@lele2795]

WOW.. I just saved me a few hundred dollars for watching this... thanks, it’s my battery went bad 🙏

[@sidhandsharma7703]

2 things happened after seeing this video.... I didn't saved money and I saved time.....thanks a million

[@kalisbestpttkoj692]

This guy is straight to the point. I like it. Thank you and keep doing videos like this on cars so we can learn.

[@timarndt9085]

Thanks sir! Had several folks telling me battery because of frigid temps. The very second I pulled pos cable on the battery my car died. Installed new alt and system charges fine! No fancy equipment needed just straight up thinking knowledge……

[@ethanporto1745]

Just learned about alternators and battery’s from chael sonnen 😂😂😂

[@cinchfix969]

A dead battery sucks more than Tito Ortiz’s ex-wife

[@danielmolina4575]

haha damn good ol chael sonnen😂👏🏽🍿

[@iCruzPR]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@foreverandaday8185]

Hilarious, but he did remind me how simple it is. As much as this shit happens to me, I can't seem to remember these simple facts. Thanks! 👍

[@Zaddy_Dynamite]

Lmao !!

[@ThePenguintank]

Lmao "NO IT'S GOT MEMORY" , This guy is spot on ! Very simple and easy to understand, thanks bro !!!

[@parkeruman8197]

Diagnosed my problem perfectly today using your advice.. thank you

[@robertjhillman]

I was skeptical at first as the electrical systems in a car can be complicated. I pulled my positive cable....car died. Bought a brand new alternator, CHA-CHING....... Didn't work!!!!! Buuuuut, took it back to the auto parts store and they tested it....faulty from the manufacturer. Bahahaha. This dude's confidence is backed up with knowledge, got another new alternator and no charging problems since..... THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

[@crx4lyf]

Still one of the easiest vids explained on YT... Nice work 👏 👏

[@kleyjames3183]

I love a man ( i’m a woman) with common sense! Woke up this morning, lights dim, dash flashing, clicking noise. Started to have my car towed but tried this first after getting jump, cleaning posts and cables and letting the battery run and drive for about an hour. Tried this suggestion and NO PROBLEM. Car is still starting fine. Thank you

[@thomasbriansavingmoney]

perfect ty for watching.

[@jflt4]

You saved me a bunch of time and money with your simple hint. Thanks again.

[@ner-geeenergy2181]

He is very confident, and that's what's up because if you know what you're doing then there's no room for doubt. And all those old school ways that we were taught from shade tree mechanics etc we're just missed fables and too scared to try or needed your car so you didn't have the afford to try a different things outside of the box.

[@Undeadly.]

Just to add here there is a difference between pushing the power button on a computer and pulling the power from the back while on. You can in fact damage the computer. If you have a newer vehicle and have the ability to take the battery up to an AutoZone, do it. They will test it for free!

[@keepitthoro6768]

Undeadly it sure is it would have went black NOT "power down"

[@markanderson8677]

Thanks for the quick and easy method to determine which component needs replacing. I haven't tried it yet but will as soon as I get my truck started.

[@maryjoanmontalvo9153]

Dude... everything you say is true! This is the easiest way to test if it's bad battery or alternator. I love how you mention about people having 2nd thoughts of removing battery cause it's gonna fry their "ECU" Blah, blah..lol You're right. 9 out of 10 it would only affect preset radio stations, and one thing you forgot to mention is the clock? Thanks for this video! Sure it will help a lot of people.

[@thomasbriansavingmoney]

ugh the clock,,,, nice catch there. thanks for the comment, and for watching.

[@maryjoanmontalvo9153]

thomas brian looking forward to more how to videos!

[@Chrispmiller84]

I know this was 4 years ago, but I just wanted to warn you that this absolutely can and does fry ECUs. It's not common, but it's far from rare. The battery helps keep the voltage to the electronics stable, with only the alternator, any dips or surges go straight into the ECU and they can't handle that very well. I've seen so many people do this and end up having to buy a $500 ECU. Don't do this, there are safer ways to test the alternator and battery.

[@DavidRodriguez-hg6kq]

Thank you for the information, you're the second guy that has said the same thing. Also, thank for the extra info on people saying that by doing this procedure will fry the computer which is not true.

[@pacojmm]

Just tried and my truck blew up into a big mushroom cloud atomic bomb style. And, the computer reset to y2k.

[@hunkydude322]

some folks just think they know it all we're all know it alls LOLLLLLLLLLL

[@jennatolls904]

did you survive?

[@pitster]

Dude, I just had the worst fucking weekend, until I read that comment.

[@jennatolls904]

@@pitster what happened?

[@an4181]

😅🤣

[@youndilot]

This is one of the best mechanics n the world, real world application, no nonsense. Thank you sir!

[@blondeexplorer8276]

Thank you so much for making and posting this video. I had the dummies at triple A come out TWICE. Took them 4 hours on day one and 3 hours on day 2 to arrive. I live in a small town so only laziness on their part is to blame for the long wait time. BUT WAIT IT GETS BETTER...the dummy (same guy) that came out to jump the car twice tells me it is the ALTERNATOR. What an IDIOT. CLEARLY it was NOT. Got a new battery and all is resolved. Thank you so much!

[@barbaracredit3590]

Thank you this help me alot ! I wish I had a good old mechanic like yourself around here, you remind me of my grandpa ! Tell it like it is not how you want to hear it ! He also was a mechanic !

[@BennyJSr.]

Amazing vid bro....no messing around with a meter straight to the point!!!!

[@davidjames1063]

Universal Test. I learned this 40 years ago. Good job bro.

[@timowings377]

brah, you make a lot of sense with your testing. its an old school style, but very correct and true, as i was taught over 40 yrs ago and glad you reminded me. thanks! btw, i just subscribed.

[@lindah8343]

Hi, older single lady here on a disability budget...thank you so very much! Evan i can do this! Just saved a bunch of $$$ that I didn't have...

[@juvie310]

oh no not the radio stations lmao

[@cherrylynn7173]

Juvie Meda lol exactly

[@summer_nights1327]

He'll yeah this is what I'm talking about.. this guy knows what he's doing. Thank you for the video brother 🙏

[@luvluv8929]

You the Man!!! I don’t cared what others internet Mechanics says 🤣🤣🤣

[@danielmolina4575]

al..ernator lol

[@OnlyDubai]

Maybe u have to set the clock too . But u are 100% right bro . Nice Video for teaching with no cost . And teaching the right thing and in the easy and effective way . Have a great day .

[@vincentbryan1962]

You have an awesome voice it sounded like I was in a nba game or something. Thanks for showing me it was my battery not my alternator in my 62 Chevy Impala

[@thomasbriansavingmoney]

thanks for watching. ha

[@karenharrison5407]

Thanks for this easy explanation! Going to try this!

[@gadgets123]

MAN!!! talk about EASY! great vid sir!! saved me a trip to mechanic at least to figure out if its my battery or alternator.

[@tcork5630]

Thank you so much for your help I’m on a tight budget and you just saved me a lot of money luckily it’s only my battery that’s broken

[@mikemctosh7380]

Not all heros wear capes...you sir are a hero.

[@Joaquin77]

I know you said on the video "using no tools" but I think it could be helpful if they can go to walmart at any time of the day, buy a regular Multimeter worth like $15 bucks and check the battery voltage with the car off then re check the battery with the car running and look for the difference in voltage.

[@warriorbattleandblades3343]

Wow this will be my first attempt at servicing my own vehicle. I am a woman and will get back to you on how it went thanks

[@dontraelwhite01]

This video is SO AWESOME!!!! The computer test is the funniest!! 108.27,lol...

[@jeanchris7512]

This was exactly the test that my colleague did for me. I wanted to borrow his car for me to buy an alternator becoz that was the advice of the mechanic. Good thing he stopped me.

[@not-pc6937]

Exactly what I’ve always done - simple easy and always works 👍

[@christopherbombela2284]

Sure as hell helped me out. Now I just need a jump for the last time so I can figure out if it’s my battery or alternator. Thank you very much

[@Scott-kc5fg]

You will fry your computer! Lol.... This is a great tip. Just tried it, and I just need a new battery.

[@owensdaniels6244]

i like how you told everybody! straight to the point, no bs around, thanks! sir ive learn something new on my car.

[@devil634]

Short and simple with the right name of a video. Thank you!!

[@JAMES45229]

Thanks for getting straight to the point.

[@rojobanks]

I’m 5 years late but right on time from stand point in life, Preciate it

[@richardboyd4477]

Thank you for being real with us and keeping it simple the world needs more people like you. Happy Holidays brother 😎 This really helped without paying someone to lie to me

[@paulobermiller9477]

Thank you for you help, we need more people with your attitude, you saved us time and money

[@chaseman447]

Worked on my 2005 Ford Mustang, it was the battery. Thank you so much for the help!

[@thomasbriansavingmoney]

thanks for watching!

[@JamesBond-ss5tv]

Saved me so much trouble , proved the alternator not charging by volt meter proof, somehow reset a chip or the internal regulator. Alternator charged 14.5 properly thereafter. So much money saving. thanks !

[@brianyoung9338]

I love videos like this, Straight to the point.

[@carmel-wayfinder5401]

Top man straight talker and demonstrator

[@brexithope9084]

I had thought about this but never physically never done it. Thank you for showing this. :)

[@lindawaldie758]

Thank Dude

[@rookiemtb4217]

True, used this method for 30 years. Never had a problem.

[@TayBleezy]

Short and to the point. Thanks sir!

[@mikecarlton4051]

Thank you so much for this... now I know I need a new battery, and I'm not worried about the alternator.

[@BetoFromLA]

Al'rnator

[@ELo-wi7vv]

Good, I wasn't the only one who noticed! That was so distracting.

[@sid6608]

😭😭😂

[@TBurgos10]

💀💀💀

[@devintell7472]

I love it lol

[@anthonymaestas7460]

Fuckin funny haha 😂

[@uhdude1797]

Great information! Did the test and found out it was just a bad battery and not the alternator.

[@thomasbriansavingmoney]

perfect, thanks for watching

[@davynjae318]

Saved the day forsure! 🙌 Easy, simple, perfect.

[@reddawn3752]

Mechanics in the caribbean has been doing this test for decades now. It is a sure way to prove wat he says.

[@baltazarpacheco8035]

I removed the positive red cable like you said and my car stayed running for approximately 3-4 minutes. It did not turn off immediately but it did turn off after like 3-4 minutes of not having the battery positive cable on it. I am guessing it was the battery since the car did not turn off immediately after i removed the positive red cable?

[@1wtrahan]

Doing this can really cause issues I would never do this to any vech . The facts the battery has more then one job it keeps reserve power to start vech, it also stabilize all current moving throughout the vech . at the time you remove the positive cable if the alternator have a high current Spike yes you can fry computers and wires and a lot of other items throughout the vech. due to battery not hook up . been working on cars 30 years ase my advice is use a multimeter it's fast and you don't have to worry . I had a costumer did that didn't tell me at first , dealership got 3,000 issue I found was a burnt wire on the positive side of the transmission modular took out the transmission a lot of hours on that job costumer told me after he did this . real issue he had at first was a bad ground wire . great topic glad I found it be safe and stay positive .

[@dikocrissantiago9199]

very simple and very helpful. thanks a lot👍

[@orourke1972]

I knew it was simple but couldn’t remember which was which. Thanks!!!

[@kevinnguyen3058]

Excellent video good sir! Straight to the point and none of that BS! Saved a ton of money too lol.

[@Crusty_Otter]

I'm about to pull the alternator on a '96 Tacoma, it's down low by the frame so... fun times. Thanks for the tip on disconnecting the battery to test it, it might save some unnecessary dirt in my eyes.

[@corbinmotivation2545]

Best educational vid I've seen in a while! LOL Good job!

[@xklusivestr8musica461]

Mechanics now and day don't care about your car they only care about the money it be rare you find someone who is honest now a days

[@dougglenn8416]

Pretty sure you’re gonna need a tool to loosen up the battery connector. 😂

[@tb3atz719]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@hunkydude322]

well take it the shop so they can charger you 500.00 dollars or more lolllll

[@DeezySleazy]

all you need is pliers to loosen battery lol

[@damoreahmitchell6863]

Have the positive cable already loose huh duh 😒

[@tannerhowell5012]

We literally do this in shops too just saying