How to check the alternator

These methods only tell you if the alternator is charging, not how well it actually works. To do that, you need to take it to a shop where they can put a load on the electrical system and measure the amperage, also known as a VAT-40 test.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• alternator
• check
• 3g
• 130
• amp
• Taurus
• Sable

[RobertGary1]

What historical society did you get that multi-meter from?

[PerryTails]

Before anything else, do yourself a favor. Take off those frkn chain away from your neck before working under the hood. Thanks!

[Virtualmix]

Dude, please be careful with your necklace and the battery cables.

[MattTrevett]

You're allowed to separate your teeth.

[Ejosey3]

Is this Kip from Napolean Dynamite?

[capncrunchalot]

It's not Volt "OM" Meter, so quit saying it.

[ppjwb1]

@X9xATIx7X ,And that means WHAT? It means there were a lot of them sold and a lot of them on the road ,because they were very popular ,not because they are not any good.you still see a lot of them on the road.The ones in the junk yards are old ones.

[ppjwb1]

please get a DVOM

[mindyourowndamnself]

I like the dashboard design.

[fristi1994]

@PerryTails With a little bit luck, his chain gets stuck into one of the pully's.. :P

[lowderjr]

Also you can start the car and pull the positive wire off and if it stays running the alternator is good and if it dies the alternator isn't keeping the charge.

[wafrederick]

Sometimes it will set off the check engine light.My father had a 2004 Dodge Ram pickup that was this way and an alternator code was setting off the check engine light.