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How do you tell if there is a problem with your battery or alternator?
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Almost all of us have experienced the problem where either your car battery or alternator just conks out, and you can't make out which one to replace. Its not easy finding out exactly which part of your car is giving you the trouble, but here are a few tips by which you can find out whether you have car battery problems or alternator problems.
Check Your Battery First
Start by checking your battery first. In cold weather, it's very common to have a dead battery that just won't start. Check the battery gauge on the dashboard to make out if the battery is sending a charge even when you have switched off the car. If there is a dim flickering light, then it means that something is using up power from the battery. You can then proceed to check the connections you commonly use, like the automatic window openers, windshield wipers and the brake lights. Switch them all off and try the battery again. Clean off any corrosion and check to see whether the battery will charge up again. Then check the battery voltage with a voltmeter. It should read close to 12.6 volts when the car is off. Then turn on the engine again and check the battery. If the voltmeter reads between 14-15 volts then the battery is normal. But if the battery reads over 15 volts or less than 13 volts, then there might be a problem with the voltage regulator, the wiring or the alternator. If the battery just wont keep a charge even when you have turned off all accessories, then it's time to take a look at the other systems that work with the battery to run your car.
Check the Alternator
Test the alternator to make sure that it can start up the battery. If the battery is working properly and nothing is wrong with it, then it's the alternator that will more likely cause a problem. A simple test to check the working of the alternator is by running your car; and then unplugging the positive connection of the battery. If the car stops, then you most likely have a problem with the alternator. Another simple test is to check your interior lights. An alternator charges your battery when the car is running. If the interior and dashboard lights come on brightly but slowly start to fade, then it indicates a problem whit the alternator. It demonstrates that the alternator cannot keep a charge when the car is running. Another sign is that the car lights run brightly when you race your car, but when you slow it down, the lights start to lose power.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
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How do you tell if the alternator is outon a 1999 kia spehia?
A quick way to tell if there might be a problem with an alternator is to remove the positive side battery cable from the battery while the vehicle is idling. If the engine dies, odds are there is an alternator problem.
Battery light was on and checked to see if it was the alternator and the alternator was bad have not fixed the alternator and now the battery light has not come back on what could be the problem?
There is no problem...the problem was the alternator. You have fixed the problem.
How do you tell if your alternator is bad in your 1996 dodge neon?
you could pull off your positive battery cable if it stalls out then you alternator is the problem
How do you repair the problem if car battery is not charging properly?
take the car to a repair shop and have them put a battery tester on it. it may be the alternator or the battery the tester will tell
How do you tell if it's the alternator or battery?
Have a shop load test the battery.
How do you tell if it's the alternator or the starter that is bad?
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.
Car battery wont charge?
If you can get the vehicle to your local auto parts store, at no cost they can test the charging system and tell you what the problem is, be it a bad battery or alternator or what ever.
How can you tell if you your problem is the alternator or the battery on a 1993 Ford Tempo?
to make a quick check -- start car - disconnect the positive cable at the battery as it is running - if car stalls the alternator is bad if it stays running the battery is probably too weak to hold a charge. (daddmac)
What is the problem when your change the alternator and its still not charging the battery?
Obviously check the battery. Anyway, if the alternator, battery, and wires connecting them are good the voltage regulator is next on the list.
Can a battery with to many cold cranking amps burn up an alternator in a 2001 vw bug?
"Big" Battery Damage Alternator?No, it should not damage the alternator. If this has happened it's probable that the problem is somewhere in the wiring circuit connected to the battery and alternator.
What is wrong with the battery if it wont stay charged with a new alternator on a Chrysler 5Th avenue?
Your alternator is probably rebuilt and not really new. I have had this problem several times and I have bought a new battery and alternator. The alternator keeps your battery charged and powers your electrical system, so even when driving you can lose all power in the car from the alternator draining your battery. Take the battery and alternator to an auto store and they will test both for free. Ask them about the difference in a rebuilt alternator and a brand new one. This is a very common problem.
How do you tell if you alternator or battery is the problem?
Charge the battery overnight and have it load tested at a parts store...its free. Or carefully remove the positive (red)cable while the engine is running. If it quits then its your altenator.
