How do you check alternator windings?
To test the stator windings, with the ohmmeter on the lowest settings, test between each of the eyelets. There should be very low resistance. Test between the eyelets and the stator frame and there should be no connection.
How can I tell if my alternator is faulty?
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. If the voltage does not change when the engine is started, if it does not get above 13 volts, or if it charges above 15 volts then the alternator may be faulty.
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 does it mean when your alternator is not charging?
If the voltage is still only 12.4-12.6 once the engine is running, then the charging system is not functioning. In most cases and in most vehicles, you will have a battery light illuminated that indicates that the alternator is not charging.
Why does AutoZone test the alternator and charging system?
Keep in mind, when you test your charging system while the car is running, or AutoZone does the same, the system voltage is being tested at the battery, and if it’s not getting a charge, the test cannot determine why. Either the alternator itself is at fault, or the wiring between it and the battery are.
What’s the best way to test an alternator?
PART 3 – Verifying that the alternator fuse in the fuse-box is not blown (if equipped). PART 1 – We’re gonna’ start by testing the alternator’s output at the battery itself. Whip out your multimeter and turn the selector knob to VOLTS DC.
How does the warning light on an alternator work?
If the alternator has an external regulator, the warning light wire attaches to it in the same way as a dynamo. Again the terminal will be marked WL or IND. Some cars, however, have an alternator which uses a separate relay for the warning light circuit. In this case you should disconnect the wire from this relay.
How do you open an alternator light circuit?
Opening the circuit by removing the connection to the alternator and light indicator. We wire a new alt. indicator light circuit outside the harness, disconnect the original one and leave it there. Refer to your service manual wiring schematic and look at this circuit.
What should I do if my alternator is not charging?
If the voltage on the meter stays the same or drops when the engine is started the alternator is not charging. You should then check the fuse panel for blown fuses and inspect the wires in the harness which lead to the alternator. If everything checks out the alternator is bad and needs replacing.