How to Test Vehicle Alternator with Multimeter!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
  • Vehicle Alternator's are a major part of having a safe and normal functioning vehicle. Over time your Alternator may begin to fail and need to be tested. This video shows you how to test a Vehicle Alternator using a Multimeter to be sure it’s working properly.
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ความคิดเห็น • 108

  • @powerfulsun7248
    @powerfulsun7248 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    Another easy method: first check voltage of battery with engine off then recheck the battery with engine on , if the voltage increases that means the alternator is working and charging. So your method tells you there is power to the alternator but doesn't tell you that the actual alternator is working. By doing the method mentioned above, you will hit two birds with one stone. Thank you

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for helpful tips, may use this. You're welcome! Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @obiwanrazzy
    @obiwanrazzy ปีที่แล้ว +32

    Perfect. This is exactly what I was looking for. And straight to the point too! Thanks.

  • @marty3076
    @marty3076 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    Thanks mate! I can now pin point whether it's the alternator or a break in the wires along the way to the battery. I was never taught that you can check this way only at the battery site. Awesome vid! Very helpful. These days it's too expensive to take to mechanics, they said it was my battery and I bought a new Bosch from them for $300 dollars plus their charge to look at it $185. Didn't fix the problem so I'm not going back for more problems. Thanks again. I'll continue to educate myself and figure it out. It's too expensive to have these problems these days even though I'm a worker.

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Your welcome , yes agree the more you learn the more time and money u save. Hope u fix problem.

  • @jermainejones6564
    @jermainejones6564 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    Finally a straight to the point video thanks

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Your welcome glad could help please subscribe like and share and check our my other helpfull videos.

  • @raulescobar3881
    @raulescobar3881 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Thanks brother! Excellent video! I need to do this test quickly because a storm is coming and my tractor is in the field and won’t start. I just put in a new battery and it started just fine throughout the day. Thanks for the quick and to the point video!!!

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Your welcome hope all works out. Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @rawalbikash2225
    @rawalbikash2225 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +24

    If my car doesn't start then how could I test alternator?

  • @globally123
    @globally123 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I'm learning tonnes from your channel.
    Cheers from the U.K.

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You're welcome! Glad could help Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @Velofire_21
    @Velofire_21 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Thank u I've always had a hard time understanding how to use one for testing

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You're very welcome glad could help please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull

  • @edwardedward7974
    @edwardedward7974 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    When checking the alternator output voltage make sure everything is off especially the automatic switch on the vw cc ! If anything is on the alternator voltage will be less than 14 volts .Cheers Eddie

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for tip. Please like subscribe and share

  • @RJ6AV6
    @RJ6AV6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Thank you for this quick straight to the point video! 👍👍

  • @MLife1000
    @MLife1000 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thank you for a simple short and to the point video 💯🙏

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You're welcome! Glad could help Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @richardlisiura3025
    @richardlisiura3025 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    This is what I was looking for. The engine noise was a bit much but otherwise a good video indeed. Thanks...

  • @rasgum7
    @rasgum7 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Just what I was looking for. Thank you, sir.

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You're welcome! Glad could help Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @mobilehomelife4028
    @mobilehomelife4028 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks for the help, will be testing my alternator shortly.

  • @humrod1852
    @humrod1852 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Short and to the point. Sweet! Thanks!

  • @jefffoust1698
    @jefffoust1698 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Thank you! Great video...simple and to the point 👍

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You're welcome! Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @ANuisanceRockBand
    @ANuisanceRockBand 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great video - what I needed. But I was so nervous the leads of the multimeter were going to fall into the belt when you started the car like that.

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Lol yea using clips would help

  • @yivonnevaldez9697
    @yivonnevaldez9697 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Thank you! Straight to the point.

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Your very welcome please subscribe like and share

  • @lindarpel
    @lindarpel ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Very good job explaining. How do I check the connection from the alternator and battery?

  • @JohnnyGutierrez-um6nt
    @JohnnyGutierrez-um6nt 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    This was helpful thank you ❤

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  9 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @christophermarsh4497
    @christophermarsh4497 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This was so helpful, thank you for posting 🤜🤛

  • @ronpolk1937
    @ronpolk1937 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Great video. Thanks!

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  18 วันที่ผ่านมา

      You're welcome! Glad could help Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @powertoyz
    @powertoyz 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Simple and easy! Good video

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  หลายเดือนก่อน

      You're welcome! Glad could help Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @bermbuster6
    @bermbuster6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you sir! Much appreciated

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  ปีที่แล้ว

      Your welcome glad could help please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos.

  • @makingtoast5479
    @makingtoast5479 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    if i get less than 14, like 12.50 does that mean I have a bad alternator?

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If your vehicle is not having any power problems, then it should be fine.

  • @thisguythatguy7472
    @thisguythatguy7472 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Very good teaching thanks

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You are welcome

  • @DGander007
    @DGander007 27 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Some alternators only start charging once the RPMs are above idle. Such as my boat alternators. Just an FYI. my voltage will pretty much read what my batteries voltage until I rev up the RPMS above 800RPM. Then the alternator sends 14v to the batteries.

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  22 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Thanks for helpful Info. Please like subscribe and share

  • @solo3071
    @solo3071 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Perfect. Quick and effective Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You're welcome! Glad could help Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @vernondavis2207
    @vernondavis2207 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This was a GREAT help!!!

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You're very welcome! Glad I could help. Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @jimiboii209
    @jimiboii209 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you bro! No BS!

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  ปีที่แล้ว

      You're welcome glad could help.

  • @StarClay666
    @StarClay666 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I find that my alternator has the same voltage as the battery (about 12.6), would that mean that I can disregard bad connectors and such as a problem and that the problem simply must be that I have to replace the alternator? Or can there still be other possible reasons for it?

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If your vehicle is not charging correctly, then it's most likely a bad alternatetor. Please like subscribe and share.

  • @kensheffield343
    @kensheffield343 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Thanks Bro

  • @djspbb
    @djspbb ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I needed to see if this is how you do it. I am not sure whether alternator went bad or a connection is bad. Battery is good but alternator doesn't charge. It's a brand new alternator.

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  ปีที่แล้ว

      Have a video up showing how to test alternatetor. please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos.

  • @LeCigareVolant
    @LeCigareVolant 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thanks man, good video.

  • @fireboyisme
    @fireboyisme ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Good video thanks!!

  • @turbro7185
    @turbro7185 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Question
    How do you go about diagnosing a car that had a battery replaced but comes back weeks later due to the car not being able to start unless if it’s jump started -
    Brand new battery was put on so maybe it’s a bad battery or a parasitic draw or a bad alternator or a bad or loose cable if I use a multimeter to test the battery while the car is on and it reads 12.4v that would most likely mean that the alternator isn’t charging the battery because if it was it would be over 14v+ with the battery reading 12v with the car on it would be safe to assume that it’s probably a bad alternator but what if it isn’t and I install an alternator and it still reads 12v how do I go about diagnosing it do I put the test leads on the alternator and ground cable to see if it reads 14v and if it does it means it’s good but if it doesn’t it means it’s bad like in this video how do I go about testing cables I guess I’m just wondering how you would go about diagnosing a car that comes in with a new battery that was replaced but dies weeks later and doesn’t turn on unless if jumped and the battery reads 12 v with the car running with a multimeter what do you test next ? I’m learning how to work on cars and I really want to learn how to diagnose

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Most likely its your alternatetor. You can take it to Auto Zone and have them test it. Please like subscribe and share.

  • @baltazaresquiveliii3387
    @baltazaresquiveliii3387 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for sharing, very helpful. 👍

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  ปีที่แล้ว

      Your welcome glad could help please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos.

  • @filthy_hands9909
    @filthy_hands9909 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    Thanks for this video. Pro tip, don't leave your multimeter resting above the fan belt/water pump and belts when you start your vehicle! Depending on the size of your engine and how much it rattles or roars when you start it, It could topple down and become mincemeat. Effectively destroying your fan, shroud, belt system, and maybe even bend or break some other things along the way. You also don't want too much wire hanging down when you start the vehicle. I would just follow all these steps, just don't introduce the multi meter until you're ready to use it.

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for tip

  • @BigmoRivera
    @BigmoRivera 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great Job 😉👍🏽

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad could help👍Please subscribe & like and share if haven't already and check out our other helpful videos

  • @quickerticker7901
    @quickerticker7901 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    How many Amps is alternator putting out?????? volts dont tell the whole story

  • @justjoe942
    @justjoe942 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks dude.

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You're welcome! Glad could help Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @scooby196I
    @scooby196I 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I wanted to do this test on my car, but the alternator is too low down in the engine bay, can't reach down there with other parts in the way.

  • @zamz7978
    @zamz7978 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    There's another video that says the test should be done backwards. In other words the black on the alternator cable and the red on the casing, which one of you is correct?

  • @humrod1852
    @humrod1852 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Couldn't you make the same measurement, with the engine running, but instead of AT the alternator, take the measurement at the battery terminals? That way you could rule out that there is something wrong/faulty in the wiring, or at the alternator for that matter and know the voltage that is truly making it to the battery. And if after running the engine for a while, say 30', and check the battery again, and if it is low or lower than 12 V then you'd know it was the battery is bad. Replacing the battery is less work and cheaper too.

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Yes agree 👍🏿

  • @josegarrido7021
    @josegarrido7021 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    thanks a lot appreciate it

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You're welcome! Glad could help Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @mymusic3354
    @mymusic3354 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Just what I was looking for!

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You're welcome! Glad could help Please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos

  • @bcbjbggjh9102
    @bcbjbggjh9102 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    would a bad alternator make your car surge at a stop signed ?

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes can cause this. please subscribe like and share and check out our other helpfull videos.

  • @dasboot360
    @dasboot360 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I keep getting around 12.8. And I just changed the alternator yesterday. Do you think it’s a bad alternator?

  • @kenmyers1324
    @kenmyers1324 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you 🍻👍

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Your welcome glad could help please subscribe like and share and check our my other helpfull videos.

  • @sophiademelo21
    @sophiademelo21 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    what car is that ? i love the location of that alternator ! so easy to remove. On my car , had to remove both rad fans , front right tire , splash shield and dipstick to remove it. A real PITA !

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yea some are a. Real pain this is a chevy avalanche. please subscribe like and share and check our my other helpfull videos.

  • @GregAliano
    @GregAliano 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks🤙

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Your welcome glad could help please subscribe like and share and check our my other helpfull videos.

  • @annagodina6666
    @annagodina6666 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Does the car have to be turned on to test the alternator like that?

  • @vandshome
    @vandshome 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Hi is 13.59 good for an alternator in a 2010 4cl Camry?

  • @r4a2g0
    @r4a2g0 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I did this and the alternator was reading between 13.55 and 13.70. does that mean its not working optimally? The car occasionally has trouble starting.

  • @jamesbroomfield7799
    @jamesbroomfield7799 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What voltage should the alternator go down to , to know its bad

  • @gaiden9423
    @gaiden9423 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    With the vehicle running I checked at the battery terminals with a voltmeter, and got 13.95 , do you think I might need a alternator

  • @Dibran9mm
    @Dibran9mm 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    How do u check the alternator if the car doesn start?

  • @xGaLoSx
    @xGaLoSx 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Can't you just check it on the battery terminals?

  • @dcole302
    @dcole302 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    How can i test the alternator when my car wont start?

  • @Kalanimauimusic
    @Kalanimauimusic ปีที่แล้ว

    What if your car won’t start?

  • @AdrianReyes-hr3tg
    @AdrianReyes-hr3tg 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Do not need that if you disconnect the battery while the car is running and it stop alternator is no good

  • @villamizar30
    @villamizar30 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    👍

  • @user-cg7jp7jt4v
    @user-cg7jp7jt4v 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My car doesnt start how can I test

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If it doesn't start you'll have to take it off and have it tested. You have a battery issue. Please like subscribe and share.

  • @Taun24
    @Taun24 ปีที่แล้ว

    does the vehicle have to be on to check? Can you do the test with the vehicle off and if it reads anything then it’s a defect?

  • @TheMalhazar
    @TheMalhazar 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Im not the smartest, but if an alternator isnt working properly, the car wouldnt be running? So whats the point of checking it? Or if the voltage on the battery is 14.7v while car is running, it would show the alternator is ok?

  • @Soulvex
    @Soulvex หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Multmeter

    • @Flashback502
      @Flashback502  29 วันที่ผ่านมา

      👍🏿 please like subscribe and share