alternator problems HELP!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
alternator problems HELP!
Can anyone help on how to test an alternator? Is there a way I can test it myself; I was told that if I disconect the battery termanols while car was running and if it stayed running its ok. Is this a ture fact? If not,does any hve one for sell if mines bad,and manual to on how to change it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,445
Likes: 3
From: WOT somewhere in the Bay Area
1951 Caterpiller D6
Originally Posted by c.brian
Can anyone help on how to test an alternator? Is there a way I can test it myself; I was told that if I disconect the battery termanols while car was running and if it stayed running its ok. Is this a ture fact? If not,does any hve one for sell if mines bad,and manual to on how to change it.
NOOOO!!!! DO NOT DISCONNECT THE BATTERY WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING!
Sorry for yelling but whomever gave you that advice should be shot. At the very least, he should have to pay for all the electronics you will likely fry. Get a voltmeter and check the battery voltage with the key off. It should read *about* 12.5 volts. Start the car and check again. At idle it should be somewhat higher and higher still at elevated RPMs. You should see as much as 14-14.5 volts.
Greg
