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When mine went, all stuff went out and car stayed running. But still drained the battery. I'd bring it to Auto Zone or some other parts store and have them test it out. I paid around $110 for mine.
I pulled this off another site, and its how I have always quickly checked if the Alternator is putting out a charge, it doesn't check the amperage output, but is a good start.
One Very Simple Alternator Test:
1) Start Car and run at a normal idle.
2) Connect a Voltmeter Directly Across the battery Terminals.
3) Turn on Headlights to High Beam.
4) check the battery Voltage.
*** The Battery voltage Should read between about 13.8 to 14.2 volts. (Possibly up to 14.5 Volts.)
5) Increase motor speed to about 1500 RPM. The Alternator should now produce a battery voltage between 14.2 and 14.6
Volts.
*** If it is Lower than 14.2 volts, the Alternator probably has one or more Bad Diodes.
6) Now, Maintain the 1500 RPM and Turn off the Headlights. Run this test for One Full Minute.
"The Battery Voltage should NEVER Exceed about 14.8 Volts".
***If it Does, the Alternators Voltage Regulator is probably Faulty, OVER CHARGING the Battery.
The above post is correct. Do not disconnect the batt while the car is running, as this is a huge load on the alt and could hurt it and/or the car's electrical system.
Originally posted by cabriodster87
"Honey? What color is this wire? Is it the same as that one? Are you sure? I don't believe it. OK, it works. Thank you sweetie."
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