I welcome all members of this list to contribute, new and old alike as well as I am sure the majority of the list members. What I had to respond to is complete disinformation. If owners (especially less technically knowledgeable owners) followed your advice they could damage their cars. If you are as you say credentialed please identify where ANYONE advocates disconnecting an alternater while the engine is running. Some of us on the list also have credentials. I am a licensed Electrical Contracter in New Jersey, and an ASI Master Technician as well as having a 4 year degree in Electrical Engineering. I have worked on cars for many years and seen many things that should not be repeated including an alternater test where "If you take off the wire to the battery while the motor is running then the alternater MUST be working or the motor would stop because there is no power to keep it running". Although people do unsafe things and "get away" with it by no means should it continue because it is inherently dangerous. You generated such a response as you did because some others realized how dangerous your post could be. If you have been reading the list for any length of time you will understand that there are some readers who have limited automotive knowledge. Without knowing how dangerous some advice is they might try something that could get them into real trouble. You obviously have some training but not enough practical experience. Do not take personal offense and I encourage you to continue to contribute and learn. David Teitelbaum vin 10757