Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!van-bc!rsoft!mindlink!a575
From: a575@mindlink.UUCP (Michael G. Henders)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Jump-starting
Message-ID: <3481@mindlink.UUCP>
Date: 10 Oct 90 01:09:12 GMT
Organization: MIND LINK! - British Columbia, Canada
Lines: 19


 On the subject of jump-starting:  I remember seeing a factoid floating about,
to the effect that some auto engine control computers were vulnerable to a
voltage surge resulting from providing a jump-start. That is, if the car
providing the boost had one of these computers, it would be knocked out when
the car receiving the boost started up.  The explanation was that the terminal
voltage of the coupled batteries, under feed from two alternators, would rise
above normal levels, killing the computer.  Can anyone confirm this effect, or,
alternatively, lay it conclusively to rest as an urban myth?  (At least I don't
need to worry; the only computer in my old beast is the organic one behind the
wheel. :-)  )  Just curious... 
--
| Michael G. (Mike) Henders | "The quizzical expression on the face of 
|
| Vancouver, B.C., Canada   | the monkey at the zoo is due to his 
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| a575@mindlink.UUCP  -or-  | wondering if he is his brother's keeper, 
|
| uunet!van-bc!rsoft!mindlink!a575 | or his keeper's brother."