I am worried my alt is dying - how do I test it?

[Raven 10+ year member]

I have noticed lately that the cranking speed of my starter is getting a little slower every day. =\

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[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

Take it AutoZone, PepBoys, Advance Auto, whatever you have handy where you live and get it tested which is free at the places I named. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[Ctminime 10+ year member]

that is what happend when my alt was dying in my old car..... it would crank slow.... and everytime bass hit sometimes it even shut my car off it dropped my rpms so low... it was pretty bad.... and i know that the alt caused this cuz when i replaced it all the problems were gone..

 

[regal8r 5,000+ posts]

Take it AutoZone, PepBoys, Advance Auto, whatever you have handy where you live and get it tested which is free at the places I named. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

x2...also, check voltage drops of wires, battery posts and starter solenoid

 

[Beemertech]

A fairly quick and easy test is to turn on all the loads (headlamps, brights, windshield washers A/C etc.) in the vehicle with it running and measure voltage at the battery. You should see 13.5 to 14.5 volts.

 

[Raven 10+ year member]

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not going anywhere for something I can do myself. I followed Beemertech's advice and tested my alternator. It is not my alternator. The culprit is my cheap cold-blooded battery. The recent drops to less than 10°F at night have been hard on it. Thanks everyone!

 

[Beemertech]

glad it helped //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif