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Old 05-01-2012, 09:16 PM
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Graplr Graplr is offline
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Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chetwesley View Post
Test the alternator or the battery?

I know the battery is fine, it charges with a charger and holds a charge, and I know that the alternator is not charging the battery, so it is unlikely that there is a charge from it on the battery terminals.

Don't they need to take the alternator out to test it on it's own?
Follow Diesel911's advice first.

Start simple. Although removing the alternator is not difficult, it is more time consuming then checking a bulb and putting a voltmeter on the battery while running.

1- So check the bulb on the cluster first.

2- If it is not burnt out, then start it and put a voltmeter on the battery terminals. It should read at least in the 13 volt range. If it is 12 something or less then the charging system is not functioning. It could be due to a loose belt, worn brushes on the voltage regulator, bad diodes in the alternator, or the wiring/connections.
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