Can the battery short the alternator?

GMC SAFARI
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MOREFOOD
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The vehicle is a 1998 GMC Safari Van. The battery died the other day and the shop told me that they have to replace both the battery & alternator. Reason - A "cheap" battery, past warranty, shorted out the alternator.

I am wondering if this is possible. I've had an alternator go out on me before, but this is the first time the cause was a "bad" battery. Any help on this will be appreciated.
Jul 8, 2006 at 12:19 AM
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MIKEYBDMAN
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I would say "Yes" it is possible. If your battery internally shorts its self out, it would be simular to taking the power from the altenator and touching it directly to ground.
I would say you are lucky it didnt melt the cables connecting the two. Probably blew out the altenator before too much damage was done.
Jul 9, 2006 at 7:30 PM
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MOREFOOD
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Thanks for your response.
Jul 11, 2006 at 1:24 AM
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