2006-08-30 16:33:54 · 13 answers · asked by Big M 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If your car is equipped with a gauge, you can see if the
voltage is too low. It should be between 12 and 16 volts.
If your car has an idiot light, it should show the battery
in a dim (or bright) red light. A lot of the places can
check it for free. Checker, Autozone, PepBoys, Sears,
etc. will check it and your battery for free..... because
they want to sell you a new one.
2006-08-30 16:40:15 · answer #1 · answered by jimbo_wizard 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2
2016-08-30 05:15:58 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using a voltmeter set on 20 DC volts, check the battery voltage. Put your voltmeter probes on the battery POSTS, NOT on the cable ends. Then start the engine. If the voltages increases with the engine running, the alternator is ok. If it doesn't it may be bad or you could have corroded cables on the battery. Repeat the test but put the voltmeter probes on the cable ends this time. DO NOT and I repeat, DO NOT, take the cables loose from the battery with the engine running. To do so will cause the Alternator to go to MAX output and will burn up. Pops
2006-08-30 16:54:11 · answer #3 · answered by Pops 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have a voltmeter, place the red probe on the stud on the
back of the alternator, and the black on ground. Rev the engine up to about two grand. You should have about 14.5 volts.
Second way, turn on all loads, disconect the negative cable on the car while the engine is running. If it shuts off, the alternator is bad. If it stays running, its ok.
2006-08-30 16:53:03 · answer #4 · answered by race21 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple way if you don't have meter: with car running take terminal off of battery,if car kills alternator,regulator bad replace it. Be careful and keep face away from battery. Sparks can cause battery to explode. ASE Tech independent service shop owner 16yrs.
2006-08-30 16:48:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you lose power while driving or idling your alternator is bad. If you can remove it yourself take it to Autozone for free testing to see if you should change it.
2006-08-30 16:40:54 · answer #6 · answered by ultravioletreebee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
with vehicle running pull already loosened battery cable off battery. if vehicle dies , bad alt. or regulator.
on a more safer note, most auto parts stores can check it for free. just ask them if they would. good luck.
2006-08-30 16:39:27 · answer #7 · answered by daryld m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
start the car then check the battery voltage should be around 14v
2006-08-30 16:37:24 · answer #8 · answered by riksolo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By preforming and 'AVR" Amperage Voltage Resistance test.
2006-08-30 16:37:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to advance or auto zone they can check it for free right on your car
2006-08-30 16:36:47 · answer #10 · answered by chevelle 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋