The subject says it all, I need to knwo if my alternater's going. What would be the signs that it's my alternator and how would I test it to be sure?

 

Make sure the battery is good first. Most auto places can do a load test at no charge. Best way is with an inexpensive voltmeter, or for lack of that if the car has a guage look for this. With a voltmeter the voltage as measure across the battery when it's fully charged should be 12.6 volts. Start up the car and read across the battery terminals. Typical voltage should be at least 13.5-14.5. Lower than 13.5 usually indicates a charging problem. Everything associated with the charging system is inside the generator. With a guage with the accessories off it will typically read halfway between the 13 volt mark and the upper red zone after a cold start, then as the battery charges up it will settle down a little. If it below the 13 volt mark it usually indicates a defective gen.

 

Take it to schucks.

 

what's schucks?

 

on 1-3-03, I was having problems. I had it tested at autozone, and orlieys, they only have abilty to test volts.


I took it to advanced auto, they load/amp tested it, and it was bad.

I just recently having problems again. Stupid me went thru same routine again. Make sure they AMP/load test it, not just volts.

Shucks is an automotive parts store I belive in the north/west usa.

 

Schucks is a automobile facility were you can buy anything you will need for your car. We have lots of them here in washington. Do you guys not have any over there?

 

not that i know of but I'll have to look around

 

Schucks, kragen, advance auto and parts america are all the same company




they just have diffrent names in diffrent parts of the country.

 

wow i didnt even know that. Well now i know. Thats cool.