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To check alternator output, set the meter to read up to 15 DC volts. There's probably a 25 volt
scale. With the engine running, touch the black meter lead to the negative battery cable and the red lead to the the positive cable. Do this right at the battery. You could just touch the meter leads right to the battery terminals, but if you have a dirty or loose connection between the battery and the cables that attach to it, you will not read the proper voltage. It will read low because the connection is resistive. (note too, that if your battery cables are old and worn or corroded inside, the reading will be low too. This can affect your charging rate)
Anyway, again, with the engine running, you should read something in the area of 13 to 15 volts. Anything less than 13 or so is too low and indicates that the alternator is suspect.
Alternatively, you can take the car to any of the major parts houses, and they will generally be happy to come out to the parking lot and check the alternator for you.
FriPilot
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∙ 15y ago
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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.
How do you check if the alternartor is not charging on megane?
Use a volt meter and check the DC voltage at battery terminals with engine running. It should read in the 13-14 volt range, if below then alternator is no good.
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 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.
How do you tell when alternator is bad on ford?
the same way you test any alternator. use a volt meter and put one lead on the positive and one on the negative of the battery and see if the volts are more than 13volts. if it is above 13 it is charging
Can you use an Amp meter to read energy with fruits and vegitables?
No but you can use a volt meter to read voltage.
New battery and new alternator still charging at 8 amps?
Possibly a bad connection between the alternator and battrie. use a volt meter. put one lead on the possitive post of the battrie and one lead on the alternator b+ terminal. run the engine, put the fan on and lights on. the meter should not read above .02v roughly. if it does theres a problem with the cable or connections. do the same on the ground circuit. or use jupper cables between the alternator and battrie.
How do you check the 120 volt plug on 1994 diesel club wagon?
Use a volt meter Plug a 120 volt accessory into it
What do electricians use to test circuits?
Continuity tester, volt meter, clamp on amp meter, megger and ohm meter.
How do you check Subaru alternator?
The easiest way to check any alternator in a car is to have the vehicle running and use a VOLT meter to read across that battery terminals. The voltage should be in the range of 13.4 volts to 14.5 volts..no lower, no higher. If either low voltage or high voltage exist, that alternator is probably defective.
Voltmeter is used for?
A volt meter is use to measure the voltage of the circuit.
Does a 1990 Volvo 240DL use a 1 wire alternator for a 12 volt system?
mikehunt
