Sorry I may be made it complicated.
If you a multimeter and do not have a rheostat.
Connect the read lead to the positive cable and the black to the negative cable of the battery, the multimeter should be on scale for battery voltage.
Start the engine. The base voltage should increase by appr, 2 volts. If the charging system is working properly,
now place a load on the alternator by turning on the headlight, heater, radio.
Increase the engine speed to about 2000-2500 rpm.
The voltage should now read between 13.8V and 14.5V
switch your meter to the AC scale and be certain that your AC ripple current is not excessive, indicating a failled recrifier diode(s)
if you do not have a multimeter, drive to Walmart, ask them to test your battery and you alternator.
They may do it free.
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 AT 5:42 PM