2006-11-26 23:35:40 · 9 answers · asked by outaylor21 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Start your car. Take off the battery cables. If the car quits then the alternator is bad.
2006-11-26 23:42:27 · answer #1 · answered by Donna 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't do what Donna said. The battery is important - it provides a 'buffer' against the alternator as the alternator without the battery can provide a very high voltage and destroy your car's computer and other electronic systems.
Best way is to check the voltage at the battery terminals using a VOLTmeter, not an ammeter. First test it with the car switched off, it should be around 12 volts. Then start the engine. It'll go to between 13-15 volts. When you turn on electrical accessories like the heater, etc it should drop slightly but not too much.
If the voltage doesn't change with the engine running it probably is the alternator, but if it does but the battery keeps dying it could be the battery itself...
2006-11-27 00:27:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it to Sears, Auto Zone, or the like for a free test. Don't forget the regulator
2006-11-26 23:40:18 · answer #3 · answered by Mikel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you test voltage with a voltmeter. normal is 13.5 to14.5. next the little wiring harness on the alt. one wire should have power. if it does the alt is "broke. if not then go to a garage.
2006-11-26 23:37:36 · answer #4 · answered by barbonzo1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hook up an ammeter to the output posts and see if it's generating electricity.
2006-11-26 23:37:23 · answer #5 · answered by Stuart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it wont charge your battery. here is a quick test. hold a screw driver near the back of it. if it is working it will produce a magnetic field and atrack the screw driver
2006-11-26 23:42:05 · answer #6 · answered by turkey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 dont crank...2 takes a jump but wont start next time.
2006-11-26 23:39:19 · answer #7 · answered by David B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the fact the battery wont charge , put headlights on rev the engine and the headlights should glow.
2006-11-26 23:38:32 · answer #8 · answered by dave c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask it to lend you $10.00
2006-11-27 02:18:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋