What can short out an alternator?

Answer by  JOHNEBEG (486)

A cigarette lighter that does not pop out after getting hot is number one. The addition of a new electronic device that draws too much current or wired wrong. Bad battery or directly jumping another car battery to battery. Having everything on high settings for a long time.

Answer by  JD68 (35)

If you use your vehicle to jump start another vehicle it can sometimes damage a diode within your alternator which makes it stop charging.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Really any type of main circuit can be shorted out by a frayed or improperly connected wire. Try tracing the system from the alternator back paying special attention to where it could chafe or burn like next to the exhaust and where it pass through the firewall.