Home
Alternator
FAQ's
ANSWER:
If your battery is dead or keeps
running down your alternator may not be working properly. A
battery warning light that is on or a low amp gauge reading are
also good signs.
A quick way to check the alternator
and charging system is to start the car and turn on the
headlights, if the headlights are dim and gradually get dimmer
they are running off the battery. If you rev up the engine and
the headlights get brighter the alternator is producing some
current but probably not enough to keep the battery charged when
the car is idling or under heavy load. (Headlights, stereo, rear
window defogger and blower motor or a combination that are
running.)
You can also check the charging
system with a voltmeter. A fully charged battery should read
12.6 volts and with the engine running should read 14.5 volts.
If the voltage does not increase with the engine running you
need further diagnosis. If the battery does not read 12.6 volts
it needs to be checked and charged to see if it's any good.
