Alternator test?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 8
From: Williams Lake B.C.
Alternator test?
Is there any easy way to test your altenator?
My 88 diesel F-350 doesnt seem to be charging.
Its got 2 new batteries but when you put the lights on the radio quits.
Signal lights dont seem to have enough power to flash.
Windshield wipers are so slow is hypnotizing.
Anyone got any ideas ?
My 88 diesel F-350 doesnt seem to be charging.
Its got 2 new batteries but when you put the lights on the radio quits.
Signal lights dont seem to have enough power to flash.
Windshield wipers are so slow is hypnotizing.
Anyone got any ideas ?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
Read the voltage on the battery terminals with a voltmeter, with the engine off. It should be around 12 volts. Then do the same thing with the engine running. The voltage should be higher, around 13-14 volts. If it's not higher when running, you are not charging.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 480
Likes: 1
From: Elyria, Ohio
Clean all ground connections at block, frame, cab and battery. A neighbor advised me to do this; I disagreed. I did; he was right. I was ready to start replacing all kinds of electrical components without basic troubleshooting.
Old battery cables can also lead to alot of resistance; check with digital multimeter for continuity/resistivity.
Old battery cables can also lead to alot of resistance; check with digital multimeter for continuity/resistivity.
