So if I remember correctly working on older cars (2003 and earlier)... once the car is started (using the battery), the alternator kicks in and in-a-sense, the battery can be disconnected, and the car will continue to run off the alternator.

Is this the same for Nissan 350z? I left some electrical components on and my battery died. After jump start, I thought I would give it a test and disconnect the battery (the alternator vs battery theory).

To my surprise, the 350Z just turned off.

Question is: Why must the battery be connected after the car starts? Is something wrong with my alternator or does the (battery vs. alternator) theory still true?

Thanks

 

you alternator is shot!! the car should stay on.. i hope this helps you.

 

make me wanna go try it out on my car

 

Take it to an Autozone or whatever and get it tested. Usually they will do it for free.

 

Thanks everyone. I'll test the alternator tonight with a multimeter to check the voltage. I notice my battery sits at 11.5-12V based on the gauge - it's not recharging properly.

I'm hessitant to drive it because if my battery dies in the middle of the highway (on the way to autozone) I'm screwed.

 

i got a new battery =]

 

You could always just buy a new battery and use it to get there, then have them test it. If it works out fine, great. If it doesn't, give them the battery back and get an alternator or whathaveyou.

 

I'm having the same problem now actually. Never tried to unplug the battery while the car was on. I replaced the bat already and still getting some weird readings on my volt meter. My gauges are messing up too... I'm guessing its the alternator, TT kit isn't gonna make this a lot of fun to swap out either.