0
with a voltmeter
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How do you test an alternator with a volt tester?
Check the voltage with a volt meter at the battery with the engine running at idle. You should read 13.5 to 15.5 volts. Any less and the alternator is not charging properly.
Can you connect a 12 volt auto alternator to a 24 volt system to charge the batteries?
If you connect an alternator that has been designed for charging a 12 volt battery to any 24 volt system in an attempt to charge its batteries, that alternator will not work because of either of two different reasons:if the 24 volt battery is completely dead or flat the 12 volt alternator will not be able to charge it to much above 18 volts. That is about as much practical use as having a flat 24 volt battery!if the 24 volt battery is not "flat" but has a voltage that is in its normal range - between about 23 volts and 27 volts - the 12 volt alternator would not do anything because its output voltage cannot go high enough.Some more facts:12 volt systemsAn alternator designed to charge a nominal 24 volt battery will have a voltage and current regulation system to control its output voltage between about 13.5 and 18 volts and an output current that could vary between zero and about 40 or 50 amps.The overall range of current amperage output from the alternator would vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the sizes of the alternator and battery and those in turn would be sized to match the likely normal current amperages drawn by the vehicle's ignition, night-time road lighting, air conditioning and other systems.The actual charging voltage and current being output from the alternator at any instant depends on the "state of charge" of the 12 volt car battery. A nominal 12 volt lead-acid type car battery that is flat has a voltage of about 11.5 volts or less. One that is fully charged would have a voltage of about 13.5 volts.24 volt systemsAn alternator designed to charge a nominal 24 volt battery will have a voltage and current regulation system to control its output voltage between about 27 and 36 volts and an output current that could vary between zero and about maybe 80 or 100 amps.The overall range of current amperage output from the alternator would vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the sizes of its alternator and battery and those in turn would be sized to match the likely normal current amperages drawn by the vehicle's ignition, night-time road lighting, air conditioning and other systems.The actual charging voltage and current being output from the alternator at any instant depends on the "state of charge" of the 24 volt vehicle battery. A nominal 24 volt lead-acid type battery that is flat has a voltage of about 23 volts or less. One that is fully charged would have a voltage of about 27 volts.Only in the instance where two 12 volt batteries were connected in series to produce power for a 24 volt system, could a method be devised to use a 12 volt alternator to charge the batteries independently.
How do you tell alternator is bad?
The best way is to drive it to your nearest auto parts store and have it tested. You can test it somewhat yourself. Start the engine and use a volt meter to test the voltage that is being supplied by the alternator for the battery. If it is less than 13.5 volts the alternator is bad.
Will the magnetic pull disappear when alternator is bad?
The way to test an alternator is to take it out and take it to a parts store, most will test it for free. If you want to test your alternator yourself you will need a volt meter. Start the car and have someone rev the motor to 2000 rpms and put your volt meter across the battery terminals ( pos to pos, neg to neg ). You should read 13.5 to 14 volts. If the reading is higher the voltage regulator is bad. If the reading is lower your alternator is not charging the battery sufficiently.
What does it mean when the volt light stays lit on a 1994 Chevy Lumna?
Most likely your alternator is failing or has failed. Try to get tbe vehicle to an auto parts retailer and see if they'll test the alternator for you. The test is usually free.
What is the max voltage on a car battery?
Car batteries are either 6 or 12 volt, semi trucks are 24 volt. However a good alternator will put out between 13.5 to 16 volts.
How can you tell your alternator about to quit 1999 Grand marquis?
Test the volts out with a Volt Meter. Or take it to Advance Auto Parts. They will check it for free.
You put new alternator and volt regulator in 1987 f600 370 engine and volt meter says 12.8 with engine off and on?
Check fuseable link on alternator Check fuseable link on alternator
How do you check if your alternator is still good?
I use a Digital Volt/ohm meter and test the output of the alternator at the battery or at the main output terminal of the alt. If I'm still in doubt i pull the alt and have it tested at Autozone for free.
How do you get a 12 volt pm alternator to give you 110 volt ac?
Purchase a power inverter.
What is the procedure for checking alternator output current?
Use a digital volt meter set to the 20 volt DC scale. A good alternator will output 13.5 to 15.5 volts.
110 volt ac car alternator?
I hope not, it'll cook the 12 volt DC system.
