This blog will cover the basics of deciding whether your alternator is charging or not?
Is your battery flat? Has a red battery light come up on your instrument panel when the engine is running? Does the engine stop when you disconnect the jumper cables? Has your engine stopped, and now you notice all lights are dim and the battery is flat?
All of these scenarios could possibly be caused by a failed alternator.
Testing the basics of you charging system will require a DC voltmeter.
It is best to charge your battery, or use a fully charged jumper battery.
First, make sure the belt is present, tight, and the alternator is spinning when the engine is running.
With the engine running, test the voltage at the battery. 14-14.6 volts is what you will see if the alternator is charging. Anything less than 13 volts is not charging. Anything between 13 volts and 14 volts will need more testing.
When 13 volts to 14 volts is found, take the engine revs up to 1500rpm, if the voltage does not increase, the place to start is getting your battery tested. Make sure the drive belt is tight also.
If the battery is good, and the belt tight, you have an alternator problem. The alternator will need to be repaired or replaced.
Cheers
Paul
StartnCharge