I have a multi-tester. I also have an 81 300 TD that will not charge. How do I test the battery and alternator to determinre if one of them is the prob?
Thanks.

Well, take them to Autozone and have them tested.

The multimeter won't put the necessary load on the battery.

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

If I test with the car running doesn't it test the load?

You should see ~12-13 volts with the engine off, and another volt or two with it running. This varies with battery type and condition, and alternator output.

To test the batt yourself charge the batt with a charger or another vehicle, then use it to crank the car for maybe 15 seconds to see how she holds up (disconnect power to the fuel or ign so it won't actually start.) You can also turn all the lights on while doing it. This is a poor mans test, it will reveal a bad batt, but but probably not one that's 1/2 way bad. A good batt should still be cranking hard after that time.

After the car is started the battery puts its feet up on the desk and lets the alternator do all the work. The alt will power the cars needs and feed the batt the juice it lost from starting the car, and keep it topped off until you shut the motor off. If the alt goes bad, then you're using the batt for everything butt it never gets charged. It's just like a flashlight at this point, you only have x many minutes before it will die.

Hope this helps. But like brewtoo said; a chain auto parts store will test both for free. If it's the alt and they give you some outrageous price, look around for a place that rebuilds them. Have a place by me that charges a fraction of a parts store, They'll even sell the parts to do it yourself if your up to it. It cost me 50 cents to repair my Toyota starter that way.

Chevota, thanks ( I'm assuming from your name that you are a rice burning cracker, welcome to the club, we have a salute). I needed the Alt./Bat. refresher. The battery is dead and gets no recharging. NADA. I will have the battery charged and tested and go from there. We have an alternator rebuild shop nearby. Thanks again.

Now that I think about it, brewtoo (name is cracker suspect as well), I will have both tested as suggested. Thanks.

No way re: rice burn. Toy 4X but with american power uc.

A complete discharge is usually very damaging if not fatal for an older battery.

Discharge is close to complete and battery is beyond old. Will have both tested tomorrow.

Assuming that 'Murkin power in 4X Toy furhter qualifies you as cracker.

By "cracker" I assume you mean white boy? Yes, I happen to have been born white, and in my state that makes me a minority. I have typical white traits, eg; I can't dance, but can digest milk.
I haven’t heard cracker in a long time, but I’ve been called a redneck many times. Although I do own a shotgun, I don't drink beer, I’ve never owned a big-three pickup or a horse, so I don’t think redneck really fits.

"Cracker" is a state of mind. In North Fla./South Ga. we believe that we should be free to shoot it if it moves or send it back home if it just got here. Other than that, salute it if its on the pole.