Isn't there a way to tell if an alternator is working that involves checking for magnetism?

Answer 1

It's not terribly accurate, but if you hold a screwdriver to the back of the alternator it should "suck" the screwdriver to the back of it.

Oh, while it's running.

Answer 2

The proper way is to load test the battery with a meter to see the condition after the battery has been charged and to check the alternator charging output with a voltmeter but you haven't got those items handy so.In the night time start the engine with the car facing a wall.Switch the wipers on and the headlights on full beam.Rev the engine and if the headlights brighten up then the alternator is charging ok and probably it's your battery at fault, unless there is a discharge when the car is stationery and everything is switched off.A rough way to check this is to disconnect the battery earth lead with everything switched off and to gently flick the lead onto the battery terminal.If there is a heavy spark then something is causing a discharge.Remove the fuses one by one until there is no heavy discharge and that fused component is the cause of your trouble

Answer 3

With vehicle running. Use a volt meter on the battery. It should read 13-14 volts. If its under 13 volts the alternator is bad. Most will read high 13 volts.

Answer 4

Check the voltage at the battery with the engine running. It should be around 14 to 16 volts max. any lower, and it is not charging.

Answer 5

Yes if you take it off the car most auto parts stores will check it for free to make sure it is working properly. Try Autozone

Answer 6

Don ferget alt. have fuses and if volts at batt. are low check the alt. output at the alt. Wires do break.

Answer 7

I have magnetism, let me check it!