2007-03-26 00:29:27 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
While car is off the meter should read about 12.5v at the battery, with engine running it should read 13.5v to 14.5v.
2007-03-26 00:32:53 · answer #1 · answered by wheeler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without the car running, put the leads of the multimeter on the battery. Make sure your meter is set on DC. You should be getting around 12 to 14 volts, depending on type if battery. Now, start your car and do the same. You should now be getting about 4 more volts then when you car not running. If your not getting more volts when running, then your alternator is probably bad. Take it out and run to your nearest autoparts store. Most of them have free alternator testing!
2007-03-26 00:35:57 · answer #2 · answered by dopey042276 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just Me: you crack me up.
To test with a multimeter does not give you a complete and accurate assesment of the alternator. you need to have it properly tested. Any auto parts store should be able to test it for free. to get an idea you would use the meter to check the charge on the battery. If it is showing 12-14 volts it's a good beat that the alternator is working.
2007-03-26 00:35:18 · answer #3 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would an alternator be charging your car battery with a multimeter?
2007-03-26 00:32:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
13.5 -14volts however this is a voltage test, a true test is amperage test and your meter will not do this. If the alternator is not putting ou enough amperage the battery still will not get charged.
2007-03-26 00:39:05 · answer #5 · answered by James B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HI. WELL I DONT KNOW WHAT KIND OF METER YOU HAVE, BUT THE ONE I HAVE HAS CLIPS THAT CONNECT TO EACH SIDE OF THE BATTERY..SET AT 12 VOLTS WITH ENGINE RUNNING, IT SHOULD SHOW A CHARGE UP TO 14+ VOLTS/AMPS...IF ITS AROUND 12 ITS NOT CHARGING..SHOULD INCREASE WITH ENGINE SPEED..HAD TROUBLE WITH MY ALTENATOR OVER CHARGING..WENT TO OVER 20 ON THE METER..
2007-03-26 00:43:00 · answer #6 · answered by drift_92000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See here:
http://assets.fluke.com/appnotes/automotive/beatbook.pdf
Hope this helps!
2007-03-26 00:33:19 · answer #7 · answered by p37ry 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋