car computors & jumper cables

[S Roby]

Hi there
I was wondering just how using jumper cables to start a car with a flat
battery could possibly burn out the car computor
Is it an old wives tale??

The only thing I can think of is IF the battery has gone open circuit
thereby making the volt regulation of the alternator not work properly
This seems improbhable thou...

 

[Jasen Betts]

On 2006-02-05, Lord-Data <webmaster@vidguide.com> wrote:

Its very rare, and more myth than reality .. more-so applies to older cars
.. ie, first generation with computers .. The connection of power as it
comes through the jumper leads can make a spark as it connects, which can
cause a spike in the wiring .. computers being sensitive to spikes and all,
can sometimes be affected by this. Anything made in the 90's or better
should definitly be protected in its own wiring from such actions, however
.. But yeah, older ones can be a little susceptible.. but even then, its
rare.. kinda like lightnig strikes actually blowing up TVs ..

I've had a tv fail during an electrical storm, (but not explode).

Bye.
Jasen

 

[Lord-Data]

"Jasen Betts" <jasen@free.net.nz> wrote in message
news:685c.43e669ee.3b568@clunker.homenet...

On 2006-02-05, Lord-Data <webmaster@vidguide.com> wrote:
Its very rare, and more myth than reality .. more-so applies to older
cars
.. ie, first generation with computers .. The connection of power as it
comes through the jumper leads can make a spark as it connects, which can
cause a spike in the wiring .. computers being sensitive to spikes and
all,
can sometimes be affected by this. Anything made in the 90's or better
should definitly be protected in its own wiring from such actions,
however
.. But yeah, older ones can be a little susceptible.. but even then, its
rare.. kinda like lightnig strikes actually blowing up TVs ..

I've had a tv fail during an electrical storm, (but not explode).

Yeah, it can happen, but not every time there is a storm, as most people who
pass on the myth (or sell surge protectors) will have you believe ..

Bye.
Jasen

 

[The Real Andy]

On Sun, 05 Feb 2006 18:54:10 -0000, Jasen Betts <jasen@free.net.nz>
wrote:

On 2006-02-05, S Roby <email@gooble.gooble> wrote:
Hi there
I was wondering just how using jumper cables to start a car with a flat
battery could possibly burn out the car computor
Is it an old wives tale??

The only thing I can think of is IF the battery has gone open circuit
thereby making the volt regulation of the alternator not work properly
This seems improbhable thou...

That's one possibility (called a load dump), another is an electrostatic
discharge.

If your computer cannot stand a jump start, then it is highly likely
that it is already fucked. As for ESD, well try telling that the the
ignition coil driver and associated circuitry. Quite likey if the
computer can survive the regular automotive environment then there is
virtually no chance of a jump start killing it.

 

[Lord-Data]

Its very rare, and more myth than reality .. more-so applies to older cars
... ie, first generation with computers .. The connection of power as it
comes through the jumper leads can make a spark as it connects, which can
cause a spike in the wiring .. computers being sensitive to spikes and all,
can sometimes be affected by this. Anything made in the 90's or better
should definitly be protected in its own wiring from such actions, however
... But yeah, older ones can be a little susceptible.. but even then, its
rare.. kinda like lightnig strikes actually blowing up TVs ..





"S Roby" <email@gooble.gooble> wrote in message
newsaiFf.131183$vH5.1099131@news.xtra.co.nz...

Hi there
I was wondering just how using jumper cables to start a car with a flat
battery could possibly burn out the car computor
Is it an old wives tale??

The only thing I can think of is IF the battery has gone open circuit
thereby making the volt regulation of the alternator not work properly
This seems improbhable thou...

 

[Jasen Betts]

On 2006-02-05, S Roby <email@gooble.gooble> wrote:

Hi there
I was wondering just how using jumper cables to start a car with a flat
battery could possibly burn out the car computor
Is it an old wives tale??

The only thing I can think of is IF the battery has gone open circuit
thereby making the volt regulation of the alternator not work properly
This seems improbhable thou...

That's one possibility (called a load dump), another is an electrostatic
discharge.



--

Bye.
Jasen

 

[Johnnyboy]

I think the real danger with jump starting is getting the polarity wrong.
Reversed voltage will destroy alternator diodes and engine computers too. No
second chance here.

John

"The Real Andy" <will_get_back_to_you_on_This@> wrote in message
news:i03eu1prblc3u0h2kt2ac739tpqe8h9dmk@4ax.com...

On Sun, 05 Feb 2006 18:54:10 -0000, Jasen Betts <jasen@free.net.nz
wrote:

On 2006-02-05, S Roby <email@gooble.gooble> wrote:
Hi there
I was wondering just how using jumper cables to start a car with a flat
battery could possibly burn out the car computor
Is it an old wives tale??

The only thing I can think of is IF the battery has gone open circuit
thereby making the volt regulation of the alternator not work properly
This seems improbhable thou...

That's one possibility (called a load dump), another is an electrostatic
discharge.

If your computer cannot stand a jump start, then it is highly likely
that it is already fucked. As for ESD, well try telling that the the
ignition coil driver and associated circuitry. Quite likey if the
computer can survive the regular automotive environment then there is
virtually no chance of a jump start killing it.