Just wondering if anyone can tell me what signs to look out for on my car if I think the alternator isnt working or is about to die.
2007-03-20 18:13:52 · 5 answers · asked by wickedly_funny66 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
take a volt meter. set it to dc setting.connect the positive
tester to the positive post on the battery.
take the negative tester, connect it to the negative post on the battery.set meter to around 30 volts dc.
start the engine, turn on all of the components, lights,defroster,heater etc.... if the meter registers between
13.5 and 14.5 volts, then your alternator is fine.
the car battery could have a dead cell. if the battery is older then 4 years, then have it replaced.
good luck
steve
2007-03-20 18:40:13 · answer #1 · answered by tamadrumsrbest 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Normally a 'bat' or 'charge' idiot light comes on on your dashboard. If you have a real voltmeter or ammeter on your dash, see if the needle is off the 'normal' reading.
With the engine running, check battery voltage with a handheld voltmeter. Voltage should be around 14v with a working alternator. If it's bad, battery voltage will be under 12v.
2007-03-21 01:23:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the type of car ,the battery or charging system light might be on. If your alternator were bad you would not have long before your battery would be dead.
2007-03-21 01:18:50 · answer #3 · answered by D J 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The AC or heat will go in and out, the car will go in and out of gear, the gears will all drop to zero then slowly climb back up and your battery will die (a bad alternator drains the battery.)
2007-03-21 01:21:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
When your battery does not charge back up when you drive.
2007-03-21 01:25:47 · answer #5 · answered by GeneL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋