How to check altenator

[St Lunatic]

Hi Guys

How do i check if my alternator is working? No light has come up indicating that something is wrong.

Also when i start the car it misses sometimes then starts.

 

[zaleonardz]

Easiest way to check that your alternator is fine, is to use a multimeter, set it for 20VDC, and put it over the battery, standard it should be 12.x volts, if you then start the car, the voltage should jump up to 13.x, usually around 13.4 to 13.8.

If it does that, your alternator is fine.

 

[STREETRACER]

Get a "Fluke" tester.. put the positve on the back of the altinator by the thickest cable comming out and earth the negative any where on the car.. car must be ideling ofcourse.. should read between 13-14v

 

[St Lunatic]

Hmm will give it a go tonight!

 

[Raybimmer]

Had trouble with my e36 alternator recently, car missing and lights weak , put cd and lights off and power is back . Put lights on and limp home , I took lead off battery and car died . This told me alternator was not charging ( no power going from battery to run electric circuits ) Replaced brush holder ( bosch ) and all is well .
A check can be done at night with engine idling and lights on , then watch if lights brighten as you rev the motor to say 2000 revs .They should brighten if alternator is working .

 

[M3turbo]

Had trouble with my e36 alternator recently, car missing and lights weak , put cd and lights off and power is back . Put lights on and limp home , I took lead off battery and car died . This told me alternator was not charging ( no power going from battery to run electric circuits ) Replaced brush holder ( bosch ) and all is well .
A check can be done at night with engine idling and lights on , then watch if lights brighten as you rev the motor to say 2000 revs .They should brighten if alternator is working .

Good test.

 

[St Lunatic]

thanks bud