What else should I change with an alternator?
When replacing and alternator, other upgrades are worth doing too. Go ahead and change the serpentine belt, tensioner and idler roller when replacing an alternator on your car or truck.
What readings should you get for a good alternator?
A good alternator should produce about 13.5 to 14.5 volts with the engine idling. If the voltage reading is low (12.5 volts or less), it indicates a charging problem but does not tell you what’s causing it. That’s why bench testing is so important.
What volts should an alternator put out?
The voltage should read a minimum of 13 volts. A good alternator should put out between **13.5-14.5 volts. Stress test the alternator – Place a load on the alternator by turning on the headlights, the radio and the air conditioning. The voltage should remain high with these circuits on.
What should the voltage be to replace an alternator?
Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Attach the voltmeter to the battery and start the vehicle. Check for proper voltage, indicated by the alternator output read between 13.1 to 16.5 volts. If everything checks out, your alternator replacement job is complete.
How can I tell if I have an alternator problem?
To differentiate an alternator problem from the battery, you will need to use a voltmeter to check for voltage. First, turn off the engine and check the battery voltage. A fully charged battery should have a reading of 12.65 volts. Next, turn on the engine and recheck the voltage. You should have a reading of 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
How do you get an alternator back in place?
You might have to wiggle the alternator around to squeeze it back into place in a crowded engine bay. Be sure to hold loose wires or the serpentine belt out of the way as you get it into place. Be careful not to trap any wiring behind the alternator as you slide it into place.
What kind of wrench do you need to replace an alternator?
Unscrew the bolt holding it in place and pull it from where it’s connected. The bolts will likely require standard sized sockets or wrenches in American made vehicles, and metric in most foreign applications. The only other cable running to the alternator connects to a harness, so it will be easy to identify.