How to Test an Alternator - Diagnose Charging Issues

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  • Опубліковано 27 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 246

  • @TRADERSFRIEND
    @TRADERSFRIEND 6 років тому +3

    Oh my, I am so grateful for you. Thank you so very much, the guy at Auto Zone told me that my batteries were only paperweights at this point. He told me that because they were reading over 14 volts that they were overcharging and would blow up. I have two deep cycle batteries as well as my car battery, all of which he said are bad. I just bought the 2 deep cycle batteries from Auto Zone 12 1/2 months ago. Soooooooooooo Grateful to the LORD that I found you video, thank you. I think it is time for me to invest in a meter of my own. Thanks again!!!

  • @themajlac913
    @themajlac913 24 дні тому

    I am so impressed with your handling of the Audio Visual technology and your mentoring skills. I am a Jack of all trades master of non. But never handed in a car/truck/tractor to a workshop. But at least worked as a teacher/instructor with people from 7-70 of age.

  • @Jflowboston1
    @Jflowboston1 5 років тому +2

    If you car keep burning lights, switches, sensors or any other electronics components and when you do the volts test 15 volts are present, 95% of chance your voltage regulator is bad, exellent video

  • @HypnoticSuggestion
    @HypnoticSuggestion 8 років тому +3

    I'm trying to diagnose an issue with my car, so far I've watched numerous videos, but so happy I found yours, because it's so similar. Not what what year that is, but I have a 2000 GT, very similar. Anyway, I just bought it, and it has sat an awful lot over about the last 8-12 months, barely ever being started, on a dealer lot. So I've had it two days, within the first few minutes driving off the lot, the battery light on the dash came on, once I got out of traffic and up to speed on the highway, it went off and stayed off. That was yesterday, today, it did exactly the same thing, except it would come on, then go off, a few times, but just the first few minutes driving. Battery and alt both tested good but the battery I was told did show weak signs, also my terminals are in absolutely awful condition; they're custom, large, look like copper, but the wires look extremely brittle and lots of corrosion where they crimp onto the battery. Drove into work tonight with no issues, light didn't come on, prob cause I drove a lot, seems like the more I drive the better it is. I'm pretty convinced it's either the terminals, and/or the battery. Gonna clean the terminals and drive it a lot tomorrow, then the next day I pick up a new battery. Anyway sorry for a wall of text, was curious if anyone had an opinion. I feel like since the battery is over 3 years old, closer to 4 years, with awful connections, plus sitting so much, it's one of these two or both, and not the alternator. Thanks for an awesome video!

  • @Mikey101160
    @Mikey101160 4 роки тому +4

    A thousand thank yous! You just saved me north of $500 with your corroded terminals and leads tip. Kudos to you my new friend.

  • @hhectorlector
    @hhectorlector 7 років тому +5

    Saved me a lot of time searching forums and reading opinions... thank you!!

  • @451jbelen
    @451jbelen 4 роки тому +2

    One of the best explain videos of diagnosing battery and alternator problems.

  • @pinoyinsydney1
    @pinoyinsydney1 8 років тому

    Today my car was having electrical issues. I was pretty sure the issue with my car was the alternator. The car did not have any electrical power at all after I parked it. I jumped the car and it was ok then drove it for 10 minutes. I turned it off and the car has no electrical again when I tried to start it. Not even a dome light was turning on.After I watched your video my car worked fine. All I did was clean the battery terminals. My terminals looked clean and it did not appeared corroded. But after I cleaned them using sandpaper it worked better.
    Thank you for your video. I just saved a couple of hundred of dollars.

  • @joeysplats3209
    @joeysplats3209 Рік тому +1

    Excellent instructional video. You covered much more detail than others I've seen, but you kept it watchable. You win a Like, a Sub, and a giant stuffed animal with an eye that falls off in a week. Thank you!

  • @anthonycanty3755
    @anthonycanty3755 3 роки тому +1

    You made the complex tech language easy. Awesome.

  • @curlybill7618
    @curlybill7618 2 роки тому +1

    Good video I knew everything you was talking about but it sure is nice to have somebody else still explain it to you again thank you

  • @michael-xe7rz
    @michael-xe7rz 4 роки тому +3

    Great job. A video with an alternator that ISN'T producing output would be nice as well. You have 2 where the problem isnt the alternator. For example I had no output and shop quickly said they would change the alternator over the phone. I put in a brand new acdelco factor one and the car is producing 0 additional volts. So the actual alternator isn't the problem I need to solve.

  • @Dhi-fe5eu
    @Dhi-fe5eu 4 роки тому +2

    Great video. Would love to see a video on testing a wire sensor that connects to something important or even how to test fuses using a multimeter.

  • @richm8620
    @richm8620 7 років тому +1

    great video and clearly explained. this has just helped me fix a battery drain issue ive had for the past 6 months. tracked it down to a connector on the battery neg near post with the voltage drop test. many thanks

  • @mymusic3354
    @mymusic3354 6 місяців тому

    Great video, I'm about to start troubleshooting a charging issue in my vehicle so I've been looking for some ideas and tips and this provided some good information.

  • @joevignolor4u949
    @joevignolor4u949 8 років тому +10

    On some of these newer vehicles you have to be careful interpreting the voltage readings coming off the charging system. Unlike on older vehicles the engine control computer and the alternator communicate back and forth. The alternator tells the computer how much load its carrying and the computer adjusts the output voltage coming from the alternator accordingly. For example the computer will cause the output voltage to climb to 14.5 right after a start but as the battery charges it will drop it down. Then when the computer detects something like turning the lights or the A/C on or off it will make the output voltage go up or down according to how its programmed.

  • @rahalati
    @rahalati 5 років тому +6

    Thanks. What surprises me is that most UA-cam vides including yours is only concerned about voltage when it comes to testing alternators. What about testing it for Amperage and how to do amperage testing

    • @eddypagan8675
      @eddypagan8675 4 роки тому

      No, that is not recommended because you need to open the circuit and with just a slight mistake say goodbye remember you are working with Ampes not mili, micro,nano or pico amps that is much less danger

    • @ncyankee101
      @ncyankee101 4 роки тому +1

      ​@@eddypagan8675 No need to open any circuit if you get a meter with an amp clamp. Got to make sure you get one that does DC amps, they are a little more expensive.
      Most multimeters that measure inline can't handle more than 10 amps and can't be used to test an alternator. Under full load my alternator is reading around 70 amps.

  • @JimiHendrix998
    @JimiHendrix998 Рік тому

    You nailed it, sir. Great video. Clear, concise. Thank you.

  • @ivanb4613
    @ivanb4613 9 років тому

    Great video. I have a 1997 Jeep GC, battery was ok, would not start. I followed your instructions, and all tested fine. It turned out to be a defective battery. Thanks for your insight!!

    • @myRatchets
      @myRatchets  9 років тому

      +God Chaser Awesome, glad to hear a success story :) cheers

  • @cy-fairclean8458
    @cy-fairclean8458 3 роки тому

    Regarding charging issues it is best practice to look at the simple things first. I learned this lessen at the ripe age of 14 tinkering around in my uncles auto repair shop.

  • @Jim-ej8hz
    @Jim-ej8hz 10 місяців тому

    Best video for explaining alternator issues .

  • @mustafaahmed1886
    @mustafaahmed1886 2 роки тому

    Thank you very much. I watch most of your videos and I really gain more knowledge .

  • @Keeslonkf
    @Keeslonkf 9 років тому +3

    Great video ! Learned a lot and will definitely be putting it to use. Thanks for spreading the knowledge

    • @myRatchets
      @myRatchets  9 років тому +1

      Keeslonkf np, glad you liked the video. Cheers

  • @nixiang1
    @nixiang1 8 років тому +16

    good video, clear instruction. Thank you

  • @stupidgenious1
    @stupidgenious1 9 років тому +13

    Great video. I installed a new battery, alternator and voltage regulator. battery reads 12.7 and with engine running it drops to 12.4. I did the voltage drop tests exactly as you have shown and they turned out to be within specs. Does this mean I bought a bad alternator off the shelf or can there be something else causing this?

    • @myRatchets
      @myRatchets  9 років тому +4

      +stupidgenious1 Have you checked voltage where it is immediately coming out of the alternator? and done drop down tests from there onto your battery? also when checking the voltage from the alternator make sure the washers and nut that are holding that cable in are in good condition and not dirty.

    • @Doug19752533
      @Doug19752533 7 років тому +3

      had an interesting problem - i own a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500, 4.3L battery light started coming on and off - i checked voltage at battery while vehicle was running and had 12.4 volts. obviously battery isnt charging. thought alternator was failing so i removed the alternator and took it to Orileys and Advanced Auto to check it. both said it was 100% good. i re-installed the alternator. tested alternator by using multimeter from positive terminal on alternator to ground on engine block - 14.2 volts. so alternator WAS good. also now getting 14.2 volts at battery with engine running, so the battery is getting a charge now and no battery light. could it have been as simple as a loose connection somewhere??????

    • @benwarner6797
      @benwarner6797 6 років тому +1

      yes

    • @stefanBEAR98
      @stefanBEAR98 6 років тому

      Doug19752533 Did the problem return?

    • @stefanBEAR98
      @stefanBEAR98 6 років тому

      stupidgenious1 did you get it fixed?

  • @jackpayton5065
    @jackpayton5065 4 роки тому

    Yours is the best explanation out of all the videos I have been watching, thanks

  • @SHARPEELEKTRA
    @SHARPEELEKTRA 8 років тому +2

    Thanks a lot for sharing. This kind of material helps us save money and spares us from fake mechanics who only know how to change parts and charge one for it

  • @themdg
    @themdg 6 років тому +1

    Thanks for this video! I was able to get the battery back to charging on my 78 Chevy K20!

  • @jacktorrance7639
    @jacktorrance7639 7 років тому

    Thanks! this really saved me a trip to the auto shop. Awesome vid!

  • @waynebooker498
    @waynebooker498 10 років тому

    How about a video on finding vacuum leaks. Your videos have been a great help to me, thanks very much.

    • @myRatchets
      @myRatchets  10 років тому +1

      ok sure I'll see what I can do. Thanks for watching and your comment.

  • @jackyphotos
    @jackyphotos 3 роки тому

    Thanks and still useful in 2021, cos I have moved the battery to rear trunk, should I just measure the points between the rear battery and front alternator directly? and the reading still should not excess 0.2 v ? thank buddy much

  • @eddie7319
    @eddie7319 2 роки тому +1

    Did you happen to notice around the 3 minute Mark when you start the car it went below 9.84 volts? Isn't that a concern based on your testing the battery video?

  • @rkgki
    @rkgki 5 років тому

    Well done video. Clear explanations and clear video.

  • @massey4u
    @massey4u 3 роки тому

    thanks for educating us you are very clever wise person with humble personality how can we get direct instructions from you as I am living in U.K

  • @alightdanceacademy228
    @alightdanceacademy228 9 років тому +1

    Good video. Thanks for the help. thank you for sharing your talents

    • @myRatchets
      @myRatchets  9 років тому

      Premier Dance Center np, glad you liked it and thanks for commenting. cheers

  • @myutube6422
    @myutube6422 4 роки тому

    I realize that this video is old, but I see that you are still doing videos. Thanks for the time and this video. My GF's 2010 Treverse's new battery is going dead after a few days. I found a .161 amp draw and have not been able to trace it down yet. However, while driving it, I noticed that the alt voltage, starts at 14.3 but within 45 sec it starts dropping to what the battery voltage shows when I start it, 12.4. I'm not much of a mechanic, but this seems like alt/voltage reg issues. Would you be so kind as to comment?

  • @jedirabiz
    @jedirabiz 8 років тому

    Hey, great video. I'm mostly doing this check because my battery light is flickering in my car. My battery voltage seems to be within spec and the pulley directly connected to the alternator seems fine, but the one under it (like the one seen in this video under your alternator) seems like is making a whirring/clicking noise. Do you know how I go about repairing this or if I can even repair it? Thanks for the video, your channel is great.

    • @jedirabiz
      @jedirabiz 8 років тому

      nevermind, found your pulley video

  • @preetdhillon764
    @preetdhillon764 3 роки тому

    How spot on fundas r so clear Thanks Sir

  • @joelbinda3256
    @joelbinda3256 9 років тому

    Reuben good job explaining it

  • @richardgoulding3065
    @richardgoulding3065 10 років тому

    I wish all alternators were as easily accessible as the one in the video!!!

    • @myRatchets
      @myRatchets  10 років тому

      Yes, perfect case for a how to video.

  • @abelgarcia6992
    @abelgarcia6992 2 роки тому

    Awesome video. Thanks!

  • @JC-ov5pt
    @JC-ov5pt 6 років тому

    How do I do voltage drop test if battery is in trunk? I came across another test where you put one probe on positive post of alternator then other lead on alternator case. What would this test show? Thanks and nice video!

  • @seshachary5580
    @seshachary5580 2 роки тому

    VERY EDUCATIVE THANK YOU .REGARDS

  • @whatcanisay995
    @whatcanisay995 5 років тому

    Hey man love the video. I have a question, I have the same car that is in this video and i am getting similar results from my meter----why do my daytime lights flicker for the first 10-30 seconds upon startup and then perform normally? Any help will be appreciated.

  • @vladyslavlibov467
    @vladyslavlibov467 8 років тому +3

    Are you touching the + terminal while holding the car mass?

    • @patte4702
      @patte4702 6 років тому

      That would not be an issue under normal circumstances in a regular 12V system. Too low voltage.

    • @realmccoy813
      @realmccoy813 6 років тому +1

      Exactly what I was thinking..🤔

  • @shozdott
    @shozdott 9 років тому +1

    nice vid.. sry if i missed but while u were testing v draw resist between alt n batt what was meter set to ? ty

    • @trev9528
      @trev9528 5 років тому

      I would like to know the same thing.

  • @LightningTime777
    @LightningTime777 4 роки тому

    So if the volts needle inside the cabin visibly increases (moves to the right) when my RPMs increase, that would be a sign of a bad voltage regulator right?

  • @johnwahalla5049
    @johnwahalla5049 5 років тому

    Great video, thank you so much, very much needed help. Thank you so much again.

  • @muhammadaamil
    @muhammadaamil 5 років тому

    Excellent video

  • @andilemhlongo9744
    @andilemhlongo9744 5 років тому +1

    In my understanding the minimum v when the engine is running is 14.2v to 14.7v to show that the altonator is charging correctly

  • @lonniecurtis3540
    @lonniecurtis3540 6 років тому

    hi good video,i had a loose cable on the battery on my jeep Cherokee and now the battery or alternator is bad I think,what do you think,thanks Lonnie

  • @jeremyhenderson163
    @jeremyhenderson163 5 років тому

    Thank you for your videos, very helpful.

    • @jeremyhenderson163
      @jeremyhenderson163 5 років тому

      Forgive me if this is a dumb question, I'm just curious. In the event one has an alternator with an internal regulator, could they add an external regulator between the alternator and the battery and that be a temporary solution until they are able to get a new alternator? I haven't tested my alternator yet because,as you suggested, I intend on watching your battery testing video because I feel my issue is with the it and not the alternator. I was just curious to weather an external regulator could temporarily fix a faulty internal regulator?

  • @MeadowsJames
    @MeadowsJames Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing!

  • @iklp1983
    @iklp1983 10 років тому

    i learned something today, can u do a oxygen sensor testing? thanks!

    • @myRatchets
      @myRatchets  10 років тому

      Sure good idea, I'll work on it. Thanks for watching.

  • @carlos92161
    @carlos92161 6 років тому

    Nice video personality I appreciate it for teaching us thank you very much

  • @rohanacp
    @rohanacp 6 років тому

    you are doing great job

  • @dozeoff9682
    @dozeoff9682 7 років тому +1

    I'm only getting 12.4 volts with car running so I tested the voltage between the + battery terminal and + post on the alternator and it goes from 0.02 volts up to 8.0 volts and back down again in a constant cycle. What would cause this - bad diodes?

  • @christopherparker7662
    @christopherparker7662 7 років тому

    Good explanation. Thank you.

  • @falcon8931
    @falcon8931 4 роки тому

    good explanation

  • @enforcementofficer4802
    @enforcementofficer4802 5 років тому

    Best video - so clear - thank you :)

  • @oliverdelgado6952
    @oliverdelgado6952 4 роки тому +1

    With all accessories on my reading drops from 14v to 12.7. on another video I saw it's says that was fine . A little unsure ?

  • @melfordjohn8189
    @melfordjohn8189 6 років тому

    All very clear. Thank you.

  • @smartdummy5751
    @smartdummy5751 Рік тому

    I removed my alternator to replace my water pump and ever since my car has had a parasitic draw which causes a component to drain the battery from 12.4V down to about 8V when cranking in the morning.
    Maybe did something to the voltage regulator or diode rectifier inside the alternator when I disconnected the alternator without first disconnecting the battery?

  • @minamiranda9835
    @minamiranda9835 5 років тому

    Many thanks for the great info

  • @barracuda493
    @barracuda493 9 років тому

    Very informative, Thank You!

  • @surajshas
    @surajshas 3 роки тому

    Hi when I measure the voltage while the engineer is running, it is ~13.5Vdc. however out of curiosity I measure using AC via the multiplier and it's showing AC readings that's comes on and off around 8V. Does this means there could be some issue with the rectifier within the voltage regulator of the alternator?

  • @jrobles777
    @jrobles777 4 роки тому

    Nice video thank you!

  • @sssttt6533
    @sssttt6533 8 років тому

    Very great video

  • @anilpalithakarunanayaka5849
    @anilpalithakarunanayaka5849 3 роки тому

    thank you sir good job

  • @mckoylach1622
    @mckoylach1622 5 років тому

    Are the three wires on the back of the alternator,one for the 12 volts,one for “ground” and one for signal or computer controls?

  • @BladeforgerKLX
    @BladeforgerKLX 8 років тому

    Great and very helpful video; well done!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!1

  • @dylanjosselin
    @dylanjosselin 5 років тому

    great video, thanks so much!

  • @CollosalTrollge
    @CollosalTrollge Рік тому

    @Ratchets And Wrenches - 6:52 how do u do the test on the multimeter? do u measure voltage still on 20 volts setting? or am i testing resistance ? on the ohm setting? im confused

  • @BeardedManTales
    @BeardedManTales 7 років тому

    Quick question (I am new on this) for Drop test from Alt terminal to Batt Terminal, did you change settings on the multimeter? or same 20V?

  • @Hman9876
    @Hman9876 8 років тому +1

    so i just changed my battery in late october and in the cold illinois weather (-2 no wind chill) my car turned over super slow. the lights in the car dim considerably when the car idles between 900 and 700 rpm, or when im driving at night and i turn on the rear defogger and heat. any ideas? i dont want to jump to alternator conclusion and spend fat stacks on a new alternator if it isnt busted

  • @PardeepKumar-nd5gc
    @PardeepKumar-nd5gc Рік тому

    Plz tell me when you turn all the electrical system like a, light. Do we need engine 1500;2000 rpm at that time when all lights on. Or you can perform this test with normal rpm

  • @muhammadaamil
    @muhammadaamil 5 років тому

    Very nice video

  • @kennvillanueva5237
    @kennvillanueva5237 7 років тому +1

    Sir what if the positive terminal of the alternator is burned i test my battery the alternator aint charging cause it does not beyond 12volts when the engine is running, how do u fix the burned positive terminal of the alternator?

  • @MPUlberg
    @MPUlberg 7 років тому

    When you did the voltage drop test what setting did you have it on the multimeter? do you have to switch it over to ohms or left it on 20V?!?
    BTW great video mate.

    • @chojch2
      @chojch2 4 роки тому

      He was not clear on it. But looks like ohm detting base on the reading.

    • @505fastlife6
      @505fastlife6 2 роки тому

      It’s volts

  • @George_S.G
    @George_S.G 7 років тому

    great video my friend keep the good work

  • @MrELauj
    @MrELauj 5 років тому

    Thanks for the help ..

  • @petehuskins
    @petehuskins 7 років тому

    Nice clear video. thanks for posting

  • @richardb6376
    @richardb6376 6 років тому

    Hi. Wonder if you can help. I have a 3 wire delco alternator. I have got 12.8v going into the cable on the bat terminal. When i put a positive lead from the multi meter on the V post it reads the same as the power going in to the bat terminal 12.8v As soon as the alternator starts to spin the voltage reading on the V post drops to 10.2V

  • @genesis7552003
    @genesis7552003 8 років тому +5

    can I check alternator out of the car??

  • @richu27
    @richu27 9 років тому

    I just replaced the alternator in my mom's camry. With the regulator connector connected it is slightly triggering the battery light, not bright but goes if i remove the connector. Is it normal for alternator to be hot to burn when touched? This was a remanufactured unit with the test report.

  • @jamesewer9784
    @jamesewer9784 4 роки тому

    Nice video thanks

  • @nicopicco
    @nicopicco 7 років тому

    great video. thank you.

  • @Photostudioww
    @Photostudioww 6 років тому

    Good idea on the clips 👍

  • @MrJeepjk08
    @MrJeepjk08 8 років тому

    We are having an issue on a 2006 Honda Odyssey. The battery light is on. The vehicle is not stalling or anything but it acts like it is going to. The multi-meter shows 12.43 on the battery while van is off, once started dropped to 8 for a second then sits at 13.20 with A/C on then gradually starts to drop. Dropped under 11 before I turned the vehicle off. Any suggestions? I'd really like to get around buying an alternator if I can. Checked the connections, cleaned them just in case and they seem ok.

  • @woodstockman6972
    @woodstockman6972 5 років тому

    my voltage well driving runs at 14.7-15.1 yesterday well pulling into a parking lot it dropped to 13.4 and tried to die then built back to 14.7 . battery was gotten five months ago car is a 2012 Chevrolet cruze .would this be alternator ,battery,voltage regulator,fuse box etc...

  • @malmangelucci
    @malmangelucci 7 років тому

    i have about .12 on the positive side, but the terminals look pretty clean. could i just connect a 2 gauge wire or something from the alternator to the battery and not have to worry about the factory wire?

  • @davelaye7003
    @davelaye7003 3 роки тому

    at 0830, to do the voltage drop test, it would have been helpful to mention the setting on the multimeter

  • @tobroke2007
    @tobroke2007 7 років тому +2

    what did you set your multimeter too when you did your drop test?

  • @derly3175
    @derly3175 8 років тому +2

    awesome video

    • @Doug19752533
      @Doug19752533 7 років тому

      any auto parts store like Orileys, Advanced Auto or Auto Zone will check it for free

  • @davidgrant8525
    @davidgrant8525 7 років тому

    in Ford's you can replace the voltage regulator and brushes,easy.

  • @mustafaar7899
    @mustafaar7899 8 років тому

    great video

  • @dejankanjo784
    @dejankanjo784 9 років тому +3

    how to test visteon alternator , ford mondeo tdci 130 hp

  • @robertvalencia20
    @robertvalencia20 8 років тому

    Hello My Battery Light Come On On Christmas Eve, Turns Out The Alternator Was Bad I Replaced It And The Trucks Only Putting Out 10 Volts, I Also Got A New Battery, Any Idea On Why Its Only Putting Out 10 Volts On A New Alternator And Battery?

  • @Jv2020perro
    @Jv2020perro 8 років тому

    nice work

  • @gbouc1536
    @gbouc1536 5 років тому

    excellent, thank you