Can you pull battery cable

with engine running to test alternator? does it matter which one? tia

Don't do this!
To test the alternator measure the battery voltage with engine off, then
with engine running at cruising speed (say 2000 RPM). You should see the
voltage increasing by about 1 Volt. The voltage should not drop much from
this level when you add load (headlights, A/C).
If you don't have a voltmeter, buy one. It will be a lot cheaper than
repairing the damage caused by disconnecting the battery.

"Spud Unger" > wrote in message
m...
> with engine running to test alternator? does it matter which one? tia

"Spud Unger" > wrote in message
m...
> with engine running to test alternator? does it matter which one? tia

Some auto parts stores (like Auto Zone) will test it for free (and your
battery too). Call some.

If your battery gauge keeps going down and doesn't go back up then chances
are your alternator is not charging and you are running on battery only.
This might get you 10 miles if you are lucky.

i took it in to kragen and it was toast. can't believe how much they've
gone up. last one i bought was $75. thanks for info. i'll save it for
next time


Happy Traveler wrote:
> Don't do this!
> To test the alternator measure the battery voltage with engine off, then
> with engine running at cruising speed (say 2000 RPM). You should see the
> voltage increasing by about 1 Volt. The voltage should not drop much from
> this level when you add load (headlights, A/C).
> If you don't have a voltmeter, buy one. It will be a lot cheaper than
> repairing the damage caused by disconnecting the battery.
>
> "Spud Unger" > wrote in message
> m...
>
>>with engine running to test alternator? does it matter which one? tia
>
>
>
i took it in to kragen and it was toast. can't believe how muchthey've
gone up. last one i bought was $75. thanks for info. i save it for next time