How do you know if the alternator on a 1995 Escort is bad?

Answer 1

Alternator good or bad?

Here in Texas, all of the major chain auto parts stores [like Advance, Autozone, or O'Reilly], have handheld electrical system [including battery and alternator] analysers.

At no charge [free] they will test your vehicle's electrical/charging system in their parking lot.

If that service is not available, and you have, or have access to, a Volt-Ohmmeter, you can check it yourself.

Set the meter mode switch [usually a multi-position "rotary" type of switch] to "DC Volts," and the range to "50 DC Volt" scale.

Touch the negative test probe [black] to the battery negative terminal [battery top will usually have a "--" symbol, or "NEG' embossed in the plastic top next to the terminal], and the positive test probe [red] to the positive terminal [usually a "+" symbol, or "POS' embossed next to it. Also, normally the positive terminal will be just slightly larger in diameter than the negative terminal].

With the engine running [and being VERY CAREFUL to keeps hands, clothes, and test leads well clear of any moving engine parts] the meter [if set properly] should show a voltage above 13 volts usually about 16 volts, give or take a couple of volts. If the engine is gently revved up" the meter may show an increase in voltage output.

Without the engine running, the meter should indicate the battery's voltage, usually ranging from 11 to 12.5 volts.