Why do you need to test your alternator?
You should test your alternator so as to know whether it is in perfect working condition or not. This helps you avoid unpleasant circumstances. For instance, imagine driving along a lonely road on a snowy winter night and your car battery fails.
Can a bad alternator be found on a running engine?
If only battery voltage is present at the battery on a running engine, does this mean the alternator is “bad?” No, it does not. That only means that the alternator is not charging, but does not reveal why. Therefore, it does not prove a faulty alternator. 1. One Test Is Not Enough
What happens when you disconnect the alternator from the battery?
After this disconnect the battery and simultaneously keep the car in running state. See if the car is running or not. If your car is still running then it’s a great thing your car’s Alternator is completely OK, there is no problem with your Alternator. If it’s not working well then, your car would have stopped after disconnecting the battery.
What should the voltage of an alternator be?
Connect the other lead to a good ground (the negative post on the battery is a great choice!). Your alternator should be putting out between 13.5 to 15 volts. Anything less than this, and you have a bad alternator! If your alternator is putting out this voltage, then something else is killing your battery.
Can a battery voltage test be done on an alternator?
One test is not enough if you are diagnosing a charging system problem. All too often, the alternator is condemned as the source of the problem if only battery voltage is present with the engine running. If this is the case, it only means that the alternator is not charging, but does not reveal why.
What should I do if my alternator is not working?
Check if it’s properly supported by the hook rod or not. Start the engine. If your car is already having difficulties in starting the car it may take time to start it. If it starts, keep the engine running. Go back to the battery. Check if there is some dirt or corrosion around the battery’s terminal. Remove it if present.
After this disconnect the battery and simultaneously keep the car in running state. See if the car is running or not. If your car is still running then it’s a great thing your car’s Alternator is completely OK, there is no problem with your Alternator. If it’s not working well then, your car would have stopped after disconnecting the battery.
What happens if you have a bad diode in an alternator?
A malfunctioning diode in the alternator can create a parasitic drain on a car’s battery. Diodes should allow current to pass in only one direction, but a bad diode will keep the charging circuit open even when the engine in not running, allowing the battery to go dead. This often happens overnight.