My 1984 300sd diesel wouldent start one morning after i charged my phone in it, i put jumper cables on it was charging supposivly it seemed like it almost would start but didnt, when i took off cables it didnt even come close to starting (when i disconnected jumper cables it had lost almost all its power compared to when cables where charging it) please tell me what it could be?So if the battery was totally dead and i tried to jump it with jumper cables i could have damaged the alternator? when i was jumping the car it almost started it seemed but when the cables came off there was a definite power loss close to no starting power compared to the almost starting isnt that a definite dead battery?

 

Just in General with most vehicles, If your battery goes dead and you try to jump your car you usually end up frying your alternator in the process if you dont do things right. Also depending on how much additional load was placed on the alternator besides just charging the battery.

The longer an alternator runs full open the harder it is on it and the more likely you are to damaging it.

I hope this helps.

NeV

 

You didn't mention how old your battery is. Usually, a diesel car has a larger cranking amps battery and merely charging your cell phone shouldn't discharge your battery enough to cause it not to start.
If you have a volt meter, a fully charged battery should read 12.8VDC. If it isn't put a battery charger on it. Once it's fully charged, it should have no problems starting your car, unless it is old and the plates are sulphated, then it's time for a new one!

Good luck,

John

 

So if the battery was totally dead and i tried to jump it with jumper cables i could have damaged the alternator? when i was jumping the car it almost started it seemed but when the cables came off there was a definite power loss close to no starting power compared to the almost starting isnt that a definite dead battery

 

The battery doesnt look old corroded nothing So if the battery was totally dead and i tried to jump it with jumper cables i could have damaged the alternator? when i was jumping the car it almost started it seemed but when the cables came off there was a definite power loss close to no starting power compared to the almost starting isnt that a definite dead battery