How do you test 97 Ford Escort alternator?

Answer 1

Alternator check - any vehicle. With engine running, check voltage across the battery terminals, if 13.8vdc or so (i.e. lots more than 12vdc ), your alternator is working. Now, if you rev the engine and the voltage stays the same (13.8 or so), then the internal regulator is working. Way back in the dinosaur age, regulators were a separate item, and got replaced independent of the alternator. Today they are internal and replaced as part of a remanufacture.

If you don't get the increased voltage (higher than battery voltage) or it's feeble, then replace the alternator. If its out of the vehicle, you need a device to spin he pulley, provide the input (excitation voltage) and measure the output. Easist to take it to a car parts store that offers the service, like Advance Autoparts or Autozone or AutoBarn or VIP etc. etc...