Either bring to auto parts store for checking or Use a voltmeter With engine off and a fully charged battery reading should be around 12.8 With engine running and a good alternator voltage should be 13.8-14.2
Autozone & O'Reilly Auto Parts both test starters and alternators.
No, there is not.
Auto Salvage yards.
My Haynes service manual lists a 41 as alternator field. Take you Jeep to an auto parts store & they usually test alternators for free.
For a typical backyard mechanic, yes on the vehicle. It can be bench tested on a machine like the one many auto parts stores have. The older alternators that could be disassembled have parts that can be individually tested with a multimeter.
The best way to go about this if you are not mechanically inclined, go to your neighborhood Autozone, or Discount Auto parts stores, both stores test alternators for free, I used to work at autozone, so i know firsthand.
O'Reilly auto parts sells reconditioned alternators. Check your local stores or the online store.
Is My Alternator Working?I take my vehicle to one my local nationwide auto parts stores [like Autozone, O'Reilly, etc.].They have handheld, portable, test equipment with which they can test alternators, batteries, and electrical systems on my truck while in their parking lot.In our area [SE Texas] these testing services are free.
the usual problem with most auto alternators is either the bearings or the rectifier the rest of the parts are fairly wear-free
alternators are classified as stators and rotors
You ruined the alternator by disconnecting the battery while the car was running. I have seen alternators survive this but it is very bad! By the way this test procedure started damaging alternators in the 1960s when generators were phased out of production. This was a valid test procedure to see if the Generator was working before that time.
Many auto parts stores such as Autozone and Advance Auto Parts have the equipment to test starters and will test them for you at no charge.