Test my Alternator

[DraggnRoush]

My alternator is suspect & I'd like to test it, however it's so buried under the throttle body that I can't even see where to connect a multi-meter...

Do I have to remove parts to test the alternator? I WILL... I just don't WANT to if I don't HAVE to...

Can anyone help?

 

[Boozshey]

You know your alternator is connected directly to your battery right. While the car is running you should be in the 13.5-14v range.

 

[DraggnRoush]

OK... I'm not very experienced with the alternator and electrical stuff in general.

I'd heard that you need to connect the multi-meter's red probe to the hot wire off the back of the alternator & the other probe to a ground...

So I can do it from the battery? Can you please be more detailed?

 

[Boozshey]

Look at the Positive terminal of your battery. You will notice a smaller gauge wire coming off of it. It will lead towards the plenum and the black loom will turn blue (back left of the plenum) it will then follow the plenum and then up under onto the alternator.

Anyways, that's the hot wire off the alternator.

Start your car, put your multi-meter on V and touch the pos to pos and neg to ned on the battery. It should read 13.5-14v. If it's less your alternator is crapping out on you.

Then turn your car off and do the same with just the battery. You should see at least 12v with the car off.

 

[DraggnRoush]

Excellent - THANKS for that clear explanation! When I get out of work I'm going to check it out & report back...