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Test the battery with a digital voltmeter. You should get a reading of 12.6 V if the battery is fully charged. If the battery is fully charged then you know the alternator is functioning properly and your problem is more than likely a defective starter.

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Q: How do you tell if it's the alternator or the starter that is bad?
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How do you tell if the starter is bad on 1981 El Camino?

Take the car to a repair shop and have them do an electrical systems test. It should include testing the starter for the amount of current dtraw it has. Also the alternator for amperage and voltage output and the state of the alternator. If the battery is low then you will get a bad starter reading.


Would putting a new starter in make the alternator bad?

No


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YesFirst if the starter is bad the car will not start, if it will not start it can not charge the battery.If the starter will not work it can mean there is an electrical problem that will also prevent the alternator from charging the batteryThe starter itself CAN NOT CAUSE CHARGING PROBLEMS!The extra load on the battery can ruin the battery and that can ruin the alternator. But before that NO.


How do you tell if the starter or the alternator or both is bad on a 1994 Dodge Spirit?

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Will car turn over if bad alternator?

Yes, as long as you have a fully charged battery and good starter the engine will start even if the alternator is defective. The engine will run until the battery looses it's charge, which it will. if the alternator is bad.