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nykym

(3,063 posts)

4. To check your alternator

Reply to madamesilverspurs (Original post)

Tue Dec 1, 2020, 05:32 PM

Dec 2020

Get a multimeter.
Set to DC volts.
Open the hood and locate alternator.
Start the car.
Touch the probes of the multimeter to the positive (RED) terminal
and the Negative terminal (BLACK) on the alternator.
You should get a reading of 11.8 or more then your alternator is working properly.
If below time for a new alternator.

More detailed info:
http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2010/01/how-to-test-a-car-alternator/

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32 replies

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Car question? [View all] madamesilverspurs Dec 2020 OP

It's not the alternator. What's the engine? mahatmakanejeeves Dec 2020 #1

. madamesilverspurs Dec 2020 #5

I think that last "8" is actually a "B." mahatmakanejeeves Dec 2020 #8

You are correct, it is a B. madamesilverspurs Dec 2020 #10

From here it sounds like bearings. gibraltar72 Dec 2020 #2

Check engine light was on for three years? frazzled Dec 2020 #3

When it first came on madamesilverspurs Dec 2020 #6

To check your alternator nykym Dec 2020 #4

Thanks, but madamesilverspurs Dec 2020 #15

How about a friend? Karadeniz Dec 2020 #26

So did it just keep turning over, but never actually started? mr_lebowski Dec 2020 #7

... madamesilverspurs Dec 2020 #9

How old is the car battery? mahatmakanejeeves Dec 2020 #11

Battery is about two years old. madamesilverspurs Dec 2020 #12

not sure if a 2002 has one Squidly Dec 2020 #13

Back in the day, I'd say your battery terminals need cleaning Brother Buzz Dec 2020 #14

I have personal experience with just such a situation. mahatmakanejeeves Dec 2020 #18

I'd wager you experienced your problems when the weather turned cold Brother Buzz Dec 2020 #21

February, March, something like that. It's been a while. NT mahatmakanejeeves Dec 2020 #22

That sounds more like a starter problem. nykym Dec 2020 #16

heres an easy trick that sometimes works Squidly Dec 2020 #17

If you can reach it. NT mahatmakanejeeves Dec 2020 #19

yea, im not familiar with Caravans Squidly Dec 2020 #20

Sounds like a weak battery or Disaffected Dec 2020 #28

Okay as others have mentioned, your battery is low ... mr_lebowski Dec 2020 #29

Thank you, madamesilverspurs Dec 2020 #30

All better! madamesilverspurs Dec 2020 #31

Excellent news! Niagara Dec 2020 #32

Start with the battery (that's the cheapest) bluestarone Dec 2020 #23

Any time I have a warning light on my dash I take my car to Auto Zone. They'll read your abqtommy Dec 2020 #24

Sounds like a weak battery, or poor connections at the starter. Worried2020 Dec 2020 #25

I'm not a mechanic by any means. Niagara Dec 2020 #27