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Diagnosing a Bad alternator

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Old Apr 13, 2003 | 12:31 PM
  #1  
maksik7's Avatar
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From: Norhtern NJ
Diagnosing a Bad alternator

I am pretty sure that my alternator is draining my battery (Dies overnight). However before I replace the alternator can anybody tell me how to test if it's bad. My suspicion is that its drawing curent even when the key is in the off position.

BTW I can't start my car, my starter is bad right now.
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Old Apr 13, 2003 | 01:03 PM
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idrag2's Avatar
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From: Texarkana, Texas, USA
that all depends on what kind of tool you have, if you have no tools just unhook it at night and see if the drain goes away. Or you could do a voltage drop with dvom
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Old Apr 13, 2003 | 01:31 PM
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Disconnect the battery negative.

Disconnect the alternator output lead.

Meter the resistance of the output stud to the alternator case (ground) in both directions.

The initial resistance reading in each direction may be relatively low as the capacitor in teh regulator charges, but after about 5-10 seconds, the resistance should be greater than 20 megohms in either direction. If you get a resistance of 1.5 k ohms or less consistently, you may have a failing diode in the rectifier bridge.
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Old Apr 13, 2003 | 11:14 PM
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Car: Green 1991 Firebird Formula
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Strangley enough, the first hint that my alternator had gone bad was a funny smell in the car which I then traced back to the alternator.
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