how do you know if your alternator is good?
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If it's in the range, it's good. Connect the meter leads to the battery terminals and look for 13.8 to 15.3 volts (engine running, lights and accessories off). That means the alternator is pumping out the juice. If you're tempted to test an alternator by disconnecting the negative battery cable, don't do it.
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A battery test is easy to perform and can be done at home. First, open the hood and start the car. While the engine is running, remove the negative cable from the battery. If the vehicle stalls or dies, the alternator is likely bad.
1242626
The best way to identify alternator problems is by conducting a bench test. A bench test will check the diodes and internal regulator and then tell you if the alternator is capable of producing its rated current and voltage. If the alternator fails any test category, your customer needs a new alternator.
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['1) Flickering/Dimming Lights. ... ', '2) Vehicle Stalls. ... ', '3) Battery Warning Light. ... ', '4) Chirping or Squealing Noise. ... ', '5) Dead Battery.']
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If the battery is working properly and nothing is wrong with it, then it's the alternator that will more likely cause a problem. A simple test to check the working of the alternator is by running your car; and then unplugging the positive connection of the battery.
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The most common reason that your alternator is not charging is because of a damaged alternator. The way to test if your alternator is damaged is by using a multimeter. You should carefully tap the alternator with a hammer when the car is running in order to test the levels and determine if the alternator is at fault.
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Generally, if you can keep your engine RPM up, your alternator will charge your battery at a faster rate. If you are driving on a motorway, you should be able to charge your car battery in 30 minutes.
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When an alternator is going bad, the battery drains quickly. If the alternator is going or has gone bad, in most cases the vehicle can be driven for a short distance and for a short period of time, allowing you to make it to a service station or automotive parts store for a replacement alternator.
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For others, it's normal to see as high as 16 volts for long stretches. Still, it's perfectly normal for others to see the alternator not charge at all intermittently. ... For some alternators, it's normal to see as low as 13 volts. For some, a constant 13.6 volts is an indication of a problem.
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20-25 miles, if the alternator is completely dead and not charging it. You may be fine if your alternator is working OK. It should keep the engine running once it has been started. But if your battery is dead because it isn't being charged by the alternator, then 20-25 miles max.
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You can test for proper cranking voltage with a voltmeter while—you guessed it—cranking the engine. The several hundred amperes of current the starter motor draws should pull the battery voltage down to a normal 9 to 10 volts.
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['A slow starting engine. Over time, the components inside your battery will wear out and become less effective. ... ', 'Dim lights and electrical issues. ... ', 'The check engine light is on. ... ', 'A bad smell. ... ', 'Corroded connectors. ... ', 'A misshapen battery case. ... ', 'An old battery.']
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['A slow starting engine. Over time, the components inside your battery will wear out and become less effective. ... ', 'Dim lights and electrical issues. ... ', 'The check engine light is on. ... ', 'Corroded connectors. ... ', 'A misshapen battery case. ... ', 'An old battery.']
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Steps to Check Your Battery for Overcharging Once the vehicle is started without the introduction to a load (lights, radio, A/C and fan), the volts will rise to an average of 14 volts. If the multimeter reads higher than 14.8 volts, then the alternator should be checked for overcharging.
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Generally, if you can keep your engine RPM up, your alternator will charge your battery at a faster rate. If you are driving on a motorway, you should be able to charge your car battery in 30 minutes. If you are driving in the city, it may take an hour or more.
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Battery Light On Dashboard Typically, this warning light comes on when you turn the ignition, and then disappears when the engine is started. If it remains lit up, then there is an issue with your charging system, and your alternator might not be charging.
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Amperage is basically the amount of electrical current your alternator can supply. ... That is, your alternator will only supply the amount of amperage a particular component demands—and no more. So high-output alternators will not harm your components or charging system, no matter how high you go with the amps.