I have a 2000 monte carlo and the factory wiring for the starter is starting at the alternator the power wire goes from there to the starter then piggy backs to the battery, then from the battery to the vehicle wiring harness. Why didn't they run three wires. One from the alternator to the battery, one from the battery to the vehicle harness, and one from the battery to the starter?

 

It sounds like it does basically the same thing? Just an extra wire?

 

More wire=More money which hurts the bottom line. You have to remember we're talking about a few 100k units. A dollar here and there adds up.

 

Yes plus stay lighter !!!

 

I replaced my front battery and put 9 batteries in my trunk and have 3 alternators. My battery bank sizzles when I start the vehicle, so I am dedicating 1 alternator and putting a front battery back in for the vehicle and using the other 2 alternators and 9 batteries for the stereo only. A guy at work took a bunch of electrical classes and recommends me wiring it differently than OEM had where from the battery would have a separate wire for vehicle wiring harness, alternator, and starter contrast to factory piggyback from alternator to starter to battery and from battery to vehicle harness. I have the wire for it.