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Would a bad alternator cause your car to stall?

A failing alternator can indeed cause a car to stall.

The alternator is an essential component of a vehicle's charging system, and its primary function is to generate and supply electrical power to the vehicle's electrical system, including the ignition, fuel injection, and other electronic components.

If the alternator is faulty or failing, it may not be able to provide enough power to these critical systems, which can cause a variety of problems, including stalling.

Here's how a bad alternator can lead to stalling:

1. Insufficient Power for Ignition: The alternator supplies power to the ignition system, which is responsible for generating the spark needed to ignite the fuel in the engine. If the alternator is not functioning properly, it may not be able to provide enough power to the ignition system, resulting in a weak or intermittent spark.

2. Fuel Pump Failure: The alternator also supplies power to the fuel pump, which is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. A failing alternator can cause the fuel pump to receive insufficient power, leading to a reduction in fuel pressure or even complete fuel pump failure. As a result, the engine can experience fuel starvation and stall.

3. Battery Drain: A faulty alternator may not be able to recharge the vehicle's battery effectively, leading to a gradual depletion of the battery's charge. If the battery becomes excessively discharged, it may no longer have enough power to start the engine or keep it running, resulting in a stall.

In summary, a failing alternator can cause a car to stall by disrupting the power supply to critical components such as the ignition system and fuel pump. This can lead to issues like weak spark, fuel pump failure, or battery drain, ultimately resulting in the engine stalling.