>
>>Well, almost... not quite.
>>
>>This is not 'just' automotives but it aint just basic electricity >>either..
>>
>>The normal mode of failure in a solid state power switching device is
>>short, then open.
>>
>>This is because the barrier between the "n" and "p" diode elements has
>>been punctured, (for want of a better term, it used to be called "punch-
>>through") usually by a voltage difference higher than design specs.. like
>>a voltage spike or surge ( can happen if you remove battery cable while
>>running. Contamination, either during mfr or by atmospheric incursion
>>can also attribute.
>>
>>Once it shorts, it overheats then, almost instantly, "burns out" or
>>opens. But SOMETIMES there will be a residual path through the device or
>>a high resistance short. It wont burn out completely because the current
>>is limited by the resistance to the point where the substrate dissipates
>>the heat generated.
>>
>>What you're looking for is between a .2 and .5 amp draw with key off, is >>my guess.
>>
>
>Close. It can be as high as 3.5 to 4 amps with a "leaky" diode - and
>believe me, they do not always fail open. With a diode rated for 120
>amps (with a sizeable reserve) and a stator segment drawing even 60,
>they can fail shorted and NOT evaporate. I've seen my share in 38 >years.
>>
>
LMFAO
bullcrap as a matter of fact you better learn what a diode does
hurc ast
hurc ast