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Shut off if the positive battery cable is removed?

Tiny
NAKITAK
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
What kind of problem would cause a '97 Ford Taurus to shut off if the positive battery cable is removed once the car has started up? We have changed the alternator, but car still shuts off so the other altenator was still good. Can anyone help? Napa says it's an electrical problem but we do not know where to start. The battery, alternator, and starter are all in working order and ground wires are clean and secure.
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Saturday, August 11th, 2012 AT 6:58 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
You should NEVER disconnect the battery when engine is running and even more so by disconnecting the positive terminal. You stand the risk of frying the computer. Get a DVOM or appropriate equipment to test the charging rate.
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Saturday, August 11th, 2012 AT 7:07 PM
Tiny
NAKITAK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
We only removed the cable this morning after changing the alternator to see if the problem was solved. It was not. When the car starts, it starts strong, but then it slows down as if something is something is 'choking' it because it does not run as slowly. When the car is on and sitting still the RPM gage goes up and down. Any ideas?
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Saturday, August 11th, 2012 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
That should be due to erratic idling. Get the throttle body and IAC cleaned and retest.
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Saturday, August 11th, 2012 AT 8:44 PM

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