How to Diagnose an Alternator Problem
If your alternator is not functioning, neither will your car. Your alternator is what powers up your vehicle and keeps it running. Your car can give you signs of an alternator going bad if your have had trouble starting it up or the power periodically goes out. Here is how to diagnose an alternator problem to hopefully stop it before it goes completely out.
Materials Needed:
- Tubing or heater hose
- Voltmeter
- Check that the alternator light is working on the console panel. The alternator bulb should light up when you first start the engine. If it does not light up this can indicate a possible alternator problem.
- Search your alternator for worn belts that could cause low output to the alternator. This could prevent the battery from getting a full charge. Check the alternator connections, as low or no output can be caused from bad alternator/battery connections, poor ground connections, or bad battery terminals.
- Examine the alternator belt when the engine is cold for any cracks, wears or tears. If there is any looseness in the belts make adjustments based upon your manufacture’s instructions.
- Inspect your battery's voltage whole the engine is idle. Use a voltmeter to get a reading. Check to see if it between 13.8 and 15 bolts, and if it is lower than 13 volts it could possibly mean that your alternator is malfunctioning.
- Listen for a loud, grinding type of noise that could be possibly caused by the rotor failing within the alternator. To do this simply put one end of the tubing or heater hose next to your ear while you place the other end close to the alternator. If your alternator is faulty the volume will increase.