How do I test to see if my alternator is bad?
An illuminated dashboard light can indicate a problem with an automobile charging system. However, a very simple way to check if the alternator is working is to run the car and disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If the vehicle stops running, then you probably have a bad alternator.
Can you jumpstart a car with a bad alternator?
Can you still jumpstart your vehicle? When you have a faulty alternator, there is no doubt that you will need to have it replaced as soon as possible. However, for some vehicles, it’s possible to jumpstart it with a bad alternator so that you can get it back on the road and drive it to a nearby auto repair shop.
Can you test an alternator without removing it?
Professional repair shops have such equipment, as do many auto parts stores. Best of all, most auto parts stores will test your charging system with the tool for free. You don’t even need to remove the alternator from your car—the tool allows for in-vehicle testing.
Can a bad alternator ruin a brand new battery?
Can a bad alternator kill a new battery? Yes, very easily. A failing alternator can overcharge, which will damage the battery. An undercharging alternator will leave the battery flat, which speeds up its failure.
Will a car still run with a bad alternator?
The alternator in your car provides power to the spark plugs that ignite the gas in your engine. If your alternator is beginning to go bad there might not be enough power in your spark plugs to start your car or keep your car running.
What happens to the alternator in a Subaru Outback?
The alternator in your Subaru Outback is the heart of the charging system. Without it, the battery would quickly run out of power and the engine would stall.
What should the voltage be on a Subaru alternator?
If there is no voltage at the alternator, check the charging system fuse in the under-hood fuse block. Reconnect the positive DVOM lead to the positive battery terminal and start the engine. The voltage should now read above 13.5 volts.
What should the battery voltage be in a Subaru Outback?
It should be above 12.3 volts with the engine off and the ignition key in the “Off” position. If the battery voltage is less than 12.3 volts, charge the battery before testing the alternator. A discharged battery may cause the alternator in your Subaru to overcharge and may be a possible cause for alternator failure.
Why is my alternator not turning on in my Subaru Forester?
The ECU must be fooled into thinking there is always a load present so the alternator cutout function does not turn on. Subaru Foresters do apparently have an ECU software upgrade available from the Subaru dealer, but for all the other models there is no software upgrade fix so the following work around procedure can be performed.