Bench Test Alternator

Test alternator by connecting voltmeter on dc 20 red on positive battery terminal and black on negative battery terminal.

Bench test alternator. Many times an alternator is not working properly because of poor electrical connections in the charging circuit. Here s a video on how to properly and safely test your alternator. 27 jun 2012 1 gordontytler new member. How to bench test an alternator regulator.

Whip out your multimeter and turn the selector knob to volts dc. If it decreases and starts to drop until vehicle eventually dies you have a defective alternator. All the regulator does is connect the brushes to the supply until some voltage between 13 and 14 volts is reached. Part 3 verifying that the alternator fuse in the fuse box is not blown if equipped.

Part 1 we re gonna start by testing the alternator s output at the battery itself. Howto bench test an alternator. With no battery in the circuit to act as a buffer the alternator can put out up to 150 volts depending on engine rpm. A 12 volt battery and 2 alligator clip wires will do it.

If the alternator isn t putting out enough current to keep up with the electrical loads that are placed upon it or the charging voltage is low don t automatically assume the starter or alternator is bad and needs to be replaced unless you re bench testing the unit out of. When the smoke clears that simple test could end up costing you several thousand dollars for new electronics. This video will cover the following how to test an alternator using multi meter how to replace an alt. Joined 26 feb 2012 messages 84.

Bench testing an alternator as rr said it s going to need a voltage applied to it s input so it can actually begin it s function. A bench test will check the diodes and internal regulator and then tell you if the alternator is capable of producing its rated current and voltage. Start date 27 jun 2012. Start vehicle and voltage on voltmeter should increase to around 13 volts and stabilize there.

Please read the entire procedure before starting. The best way to identify alternator problems is by conducting a bench test.