How long can an ALH drive with no alternator?

[P2B]

In that case try it and let us know how far you went.

Apparently you didn't read the thread.

 

[PradoTDI]

Not an ALH but I once drove across most of Washington state with no alternator in an old diesel Toyota Hilux. The voltage regulator failed somewhere between Bellingham and Seattle, I first noticed a problem around Snoqualmie Pass when my windshield wipers would no longer work. Pulled over, disabled the DRL’s and continued on. Checked battery voltage in Ellensburg and it was below 6v, got as far as Spokane before nightfall and the battery read 3.4v. The only thing that engine needed power for was keeping the fuel shutoff solenoid open.

An ALH will take a bit more power to run, but with a stock sized battery I wouldn’t be surprised at several hundred miles.

 

[AndyBees]

With the day time running lights on, I'm skeptical

Well, considering the previous posts I've made in this Thread, I just assumed everyone understands, you have to disable the DRLs and turn-off everything not needed....... and, stay off the brake as much as possible, use signal lights sparingly, no radio, etc. Do anything to extend the battery.

About six years ago, I was traveling south to Knoxville, TN in my 98 Dodge Cummins shop truck with tommy lift (quite heavy) when I noticed the volt needle on 12 volts (normally up near 14 volts). I turned off the headlights, stopped and found the Alternator hot enough to fry spit. I disconnected the lead off the back of the Alt. Then, I drove on to my destiny south of Knoxville and picked up a steel welding table (never shut-down the engine). By the time I got back home the ECU/Engine was showing signs it didn't like 9.5 volts. I drove about 165 miles with no power from the Alternator (two battery system though).

 

[Nuje]

I think earlier in this thread I spoke of my experience that ended in pushing my car across the border from Blaine, WA, back into Canada.

Total time (trying) keeping car going was just under 2hrs; the last 20min. of which had the cluster flickering and the car dying at freeway speed; would just coast for a bit then pop the clutch while in 5th and it'd start again for another few....couple....single...less-than minute until we got to the border lineup which thankfully had a bit of a downhill slope while we waited in line. So, just coasted the car engine off to just before the window, then pushed it up there. The CBSA guy looked at me as I started to explain and just kinda looked at me like "dude - you got more issues that I don't need to pile onto....go ahead", and waved us through.

And that was with no lights, no fan, windows at least partially down (it was freakin' hot out); maybe you could get more out of a slightly newer battery, but four hours...? I'd say zero chance of that.

 

[454k30]

Lost the idler pulley for the serp belt. I drove the car for another 70 miles over two days, during which I had to shutdown and restart three times (because I went to work), and did not have any problems except for the battery light on and no power steering or AC. I had disabled the DRL many years ago so didn't have that problem, and then the radio and blower were just left off. The battery I had at the time was only a year old and came from interstate.

 

[wonneber]

Well, considering the previous posts I've made in this Thread, I just assumed everyone understands, you have to disable the DRLs and turn-off everything not needed....... and, stay off the brake as much as possible, use signal lights sparingly, no radio, etc. Do anything to extend the battery.

About severalyears ago, I was traveling south to Knoxville, TN in my 98 Dodge Cummins shop truck with tommy lift (quite heavy) when I noticed the volt needle on 12 volts (normally up near 14 volts). I turned off the headlights, stopped and found the Alternator hot enough to fry spit. I disconnected the lead off the back of the Alt. Then, I drove on to my destiny south of Knoxville and picked up a steel welding table (never shut-down the engine). By the time I got back home the ECU/Engine was showing signs it didn't like 9.5 volts. I drove about 165 miles with no power from the Alternator (two battery system though).

WOWwww.
I would never thought it would go that far.

Years ago I had to cut the alternator belt when a pully seized if I recall correctly.

I only had 15 miles to get home more or less.
Didn't think about DRL.

Is there a relay for them in my 2014 JSW??

I lost most of my diagrams & and such when my PC got hacked.

Had to install 3 new hard drives and buy a new copy of Windows.

Thanks for the info.

 

[AndyBees]

Well, considering this Thread relates to the time/distance an ALH can go without an alternator, I have no clue how to disable the DRLs on anything after a 2006 model. The DLRs on an MK4 are disabled at the light switch. There is a How to on the topic.

Yeah, to achieve time and distance, you need to cut as much power drain from the battery as possible as well as stretch fudging on the speed limit.

 

[PradoTDI]

Would it be possible to just pull headlight fuses?

 

[P2B]

Would it be possible to just pull headlight fuses?

Pulling fuses 18-23 would disable all exterior lighting except brake/tail lights.

 

[JDSwan87]

Would it be possible to just pull headlight fuses?

On the mk4, you can pull the headlight switch and bend over the TFL pin. Takes 30 seconds.

 

[ducatipaso]

fun fact: you can hook up an IDI VW engine cutoff solenoid to a 9v battery and drive all day long