Can i check my alternator without taking it to a parts store?

Question

Is there any way i can see if my alternator is good at home, without taking it to a parts store? My trucks a 1994 chevy z71 with a 350 (idk if that info is needed or not). Thanks

Answer 1

The easist way to test an alternator in the car is when you have the engine running, just place a volt meter across the battery posts. You should get a reading above 13.8 volts, if it drops lower than that, you have a bad alternator. Now if you remove a battery cable while the engine is running, you can cause an arc and blow out your ECM (computer) and you do not want to try this at all ever! Your best bet is to go to an auto part store such as Auto Zone where they can check the alternator in your car for FREE!



good luck..........

Answer 2

yes you can check your alternator at your house. simply start you truck and disconnect the positive side of the battery. if the truck dies your alternator is bad. or while the truck is running take a volt meter and put one end on a ground and the other on the stud located at the back of the alternator. a good alternator should put out at least 13.5-14 volts

Answer 3

Well for starters you could have told us why you suspect the alternator.



Is your battery light on? Is your battery dead? Has your battery been replaced in the last couple years? How many miles on the alternator?



Fact is that the parts store is able to load your alternator just like your charging systemd does.

There is no way I can think of to do that at home, and I have replaced many alternators.