There are many ways to test if your alternator or battery is bad when your car dies, unable to start or there is a warning indicator light on your dashboard. In this video, we'll show you a simple and easiest way (although not recommended by professional mechanics or technicians) to test to see if your alternator is bad.
Here are the #ᴬᴰlinks to tools, parts and accessories you may need to perform this repair:
1. [ Ссылка ] | AstroAI Multimeter Tester 10000 Counts TRMS Auto-Ranging Color LCD Screen Digital Volt Meter, Fast Accurately Measures Voltage Current Amp Resistance Continuity Duty-Cycle Capacitance Temperature
2. [ Ссылка ] | NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter, 12V Battery Pack, Battery Booster, Jump Box, Portable Charger and Jumper Cables for 6.0L Gasoline and 3.0L Diesel Engines, Gray
3. [ Ссылка ] | BT100 Car Battery Tester 12V Load Tester Automotive Alternator Tester Digital Charging Cranking System Tester for Car Truck ATV SUV Boat Yacht
Or Click on Amazon link here and search for what you need: [ Ссылка ]
This video is actually part of a longer video on "What Does Battery Light Symbol Indicator On Your Dashboard Mean, What To Do & How To React". Watch that video here: [ Ссылка ]
Open the hood and start the car. While the engine is running, remove the negative cable from the battery. If the vehicle stalls or dies, the alternator is likely bad. This happens because the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the engine running on its own. If the car continues to the run, the problem may lie with the battery. However, be careful when using this method. Do not rev up the engine.
A good alternator may indeed keep the engine running, but it was never a good test. In the pre-computer days, you could pull it off without damaging anything. Today, you risk frying every electrical device in your vehicle. The second you disconnect the battery, the voltage regulator pegs the alternator to put out maximum power. With no battery in the circuit to act as a buffer, the alternator can put out up to 150 volts, depending on engine rpm. When the smoke clears, that “simple test” could end up costing you several thousand dollars for new electronics.
Instead, get a cheap voltmeter (about $15 at any home center or auto parts store). With the engine off, battery voltage should be between 12.5 and 12.8 volts (assuming the battery if fully charged). If it’s below that, charge the battery with a battery charger before you conduct the test.
Then start the engine and check for increased voltage. Connect the meter leads to the battery terminals and look for around 14.4 volt (or a range of 13.8 to 15.3 volts with the engine running, lights and accessories off). That means the alternator is pumping out the juice. If you see higher readings, chances are the alternator is good (more sophisticated testing equipment is needed to detect an open or shorted alternator diode).
Another simple & easy method to determine if your alternator is dying are the headlight test and the battery test. The headlight test is quick and easy, and should be performed outdoors to ensure that you don't have a carbon monoxide buildup inside your garage. To perform the headlight test, start your car and turn on your headlights. With the vehicle in park, press on the accelerator while a second person observes the headlights. If the headlights flicker, dim or get brighter when the accelerator is pressed down, your alternator may be bad. No change in headlight brightness indicates that your alternator is likely fine.
If your alternator is bad, and you want to get ideas on how to remove and/or replace the alternator, we have the following videos available:
1) [ Ссылка ] - How To Remove & Install Alternator 2003-2007 Honda Accord | DIY Auto Repair By Young Mechanic Aiman Anuar
2) [ Ссылка ] - How To Remove, Replace And Install Alternator On 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7L V6 4WD
Thanks for watching, please check our other DIY auto repair tutorial & guide videos on EyeOnAiman's channel. Most of our videos are on Honda, Toyota & Hyundai vehicles such as Accord, Civic, Prius, Santa Fe and more. Obviously, Aiman's auto repair videos are mostly designed for entertainment purposes. If you're looking for instructions or steps on how to fix or diagnose problems with your car, SUV, minivan or vehicle repair, how to remove, replace or install parts, you should always watch more than just 1 videos. The videos should always be used only as a guide. Manufacturers always recommend using genuine OEM parts but sometimes cheaper aftermarket can be as good as the originals.
Recording Date: December 7, 2019
Video URL: [ Ссылка ]
