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JAK6

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Since: Nov 09, 2005
Posts: 1



(Msg. 1) Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:01 pm
Post subject: battery/electrical help please?
Archived from groups: alt>autos (more info?)
probably a silly question for you guys, but trying to learn so I reduce the
chances of being taken to the cleaners at repair shops/dealers. Driving
along when I noticed the battery warning light on. The charge gge is all
of the sudden down to the red. Hadn't noticed gage dropping over time.
Is this a charging problem, ie-alternator? Before I go and get a new
alternator, I will go buy a voltmeter to check the alternator myself. How
do I check this, and what voltage should I look for in a healthy or bad
alternator? Thanks

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AlBundy




Joined: Jul 28, 2005
Posts: 205



(Msg. 2) Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 9:44 am
Post subject: Re: battery/electrical help please? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Thank you for not revealing the model or mileage on the vehicle. We love to guess at answers.
With your motor running and all the lights and accessories turned on, hook that cheap new voltmeter to the battery. It should read between 13.5V-15.0V if the alternator is charging.
The battery is a separate issue. If the alternator is not charging then it will be lower than the expceted 12.6V, but may be OK when charged.

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Mike Romain

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Since: Dec 17, 2003
Posts: 417



(Msg. 3) Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 11:06 am
Post subject: Re: battery/electrical help please? [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: alt>autos (more info?)
I would first check to see if I still had a fan belt....

That said, a good alternator will put out about 14.5 +/- .5 volts when
running. You take this off the main wire on the alternator back and the
alternator case. You then check the battery posts. The reading must be
the same or you have a bad connection between them.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
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JAK6 wrote:
>
> probably a silly question for you guys, but trying to learn so I reduce the
> chances of being taken to the cleaners at repair shops/dealers. Driving
> along when I noticed the battery warning light on. The charge gge is all
> of the sudden down to the red. Hadn't noticed gage dropping over time.
> Is this a charging problem, ie-alternator? Before I go and get a new
> alternator, I will go buy a voltmeter to check the alternator myself. How
> do I check this, and what voltage should I look for in a healthy or bad
> alternator? Thanks
 >> Stay informed about: battery/electrical help please? 
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