Without plug in how do you test a ford alternator?

Answer 1

Any Auto Parts store can check the charging system for you. Testing the alternator is simple and basic. You need to check the voltage and amperage output. The voltage is easy enough to check with a voltmeter. If the voltage is between 13.5 and 14.5, engine running, it's a good bet the alternator is good. To check the amperage output, you'll need some special equipment. You'll need an ammeter and a load tester to check the amperage. I would let an Auto Parts store run that check as they have the equipment.

Answer 2

Unless your car is from the early 60's or older you don't have a generator. You probably have an alternator. You can test it as follows, using a digital volt meter connect it to the battery and take a reading before starting the vehicle. The meter should read 12.68 volts if the battery is fully charged. You need the battery fully charged to get an acturate reading of the alternator output. Next, start the vehicle and take a reading at an idle with no accessories on, you should have a reading of 14.5 volts (plus or minus .2) if it is healthy. Next, turn on some accessories such as the heater motor on high and the headlights. The volts should not drop below 13.8 if everything is healthy. If the vehicle doesn't reach those readings your alternator is probably bad.

Answer 3

Take a volt meter and check voltage at battery terminals. First test voltage with engine turned off. Then start the engine and test voltage again while running. Battery voltage should always be higher when the engine is running. Battery voltage should never fall below 12.5 volts or higher then 15 volts, with engine running on most cars.

Some auto part stores will test your charging system for free.

Answer 4

One can test an alternator while it's still in the car as long as the car runs. Use a volt meter across the battery terminals while the vehicle is running. The volt meter should read 13 to 14 volts in a 12 volt system. If it's lower your alternator isn't charging sufficiently. Have a friend push the accelerator and hold the car at 2000 rpms and test it again. You might try this at higher rpms as well depending on where your vehicle redlines. The voltage should not exceed 14 volts; if it does your voltage regulator is bad.

Answer 5

If you can jump it off and it turns over and starts, but dies when you disconnect the jumper cables, then it's more than likely the alternator.

I just had to replace the one on my '93 Isuzu Trooper.

Answer 6

Take it out, and to the nearest Autozone and they will test it free of charge.

Answer 7

the battery will not charge.eventually when battery is flat the car will not run either as both battery and alternator ,togeher complete the electrical circuit

Answer 8

I pulled the negative cable from the battery with the truck running and the engine quit. Is this a test to see if the alternator needs to be replaced?

Answer 9

Shops like Advance will test it for free.