How Do You Diagnose Automotive Alternator Problems?
A bit of knowledge and a little homework can save you time an aggrivation when it comes to electrical problems. Just follow a few step by step procedures and get to the bottom of things quickly. Before you begin your tests, check your battery first. It must be clean, with solid connections. You can neutralize the battery surface acids with a mixture of baking soda and water. Be sure and rinse thoroughly. Test the battery with the voltmeter. It must be a little over 12 volts to continue. With the battery connected, have a friend attempt to crank the car while you watch the voltmeter. If the car cranks slowly and the battery voltage drops to 6 volts or lower, charge the battery for at least one hour with at least a 40 amp charger and retest. If the vehicle cranks slowly and the battery drops again, replace the battery. With a known good battery on the vehicle, start it and check the voltage at the battery. It should read above 14 volts at idle. If not, check the alternator belt and make
