Steps to Determining if There is a Problem With Your Car's Alternator
All car owners experience car trouble at one time or another. Problems with the alternator are one of the most common problems that many car owners are faced with. A faulty alternator can be easily detected with a little knowledge and some guidance on what to do.
These are the steps to determining if there is a problem with your car's alternator.
With the engine off, raise the hood and loosen the negative battery cable. Start the engine and pull the loosened cable completely off of the battery. If the engine immediately dies when the cable is taken off of the battery, there is definitely a problem with the alternator.
With the engine running, listen to the alternator. If you hear a squeaking sound coming from the alternator, it is a sign that the alternator may be going bad.
Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes before turning if off. If the alternator is hot, it is a sign that the alternator may be going bad.