Alternator Output Question
Alternator Output Question Is there away to measure how many amps an alternator is putting out at a specific RPM?
I know how to check the voltage and make sure the alternator is charging, but I just added a high output alternator and would like to check to see it is putting out what it is suppose to.
I have a basic Craftsmen multimeter to use for testing
Thanks
I know how to check the voltage and make sure the alternator is charging, but I just added a high output alternator and would like to check to see it is putting out what it is suppose to.
I have a basic Craftsmen multimeter to use for testing
Thanks
no much you can do with that. go to your local parts store and have em test it, i work weekend at Autozone. They can do a ALt test and it will do a 2,000 RPM load test and will load the system a good amount. Your test result should fall within 70-80% of your Alt's total output.. My 130 amp actually is under rated and put out around 160 amps.
thanks, I'll do that before I throw it on tomorrow
is there a multimeter I can buy that will test it for me? and if so what setting should I be looking for it to have?
thanks
is there a multimeter I can buy that will test it for me? and if so what setting should I be looking for it to have?
thanks
Originally Posted by b3av3r
thanks, I'll do that before I throw it on tomorrow
is there a multimeter I can buy that will test it for me? and if so what setting should I be looking for it to have?
thanks
is there a multimeter I can buy that will test it for me? and if so what setting should I be looking for it to have?
thanks
Have very long meter wires first, long enough to go from the alternator to the cabin.
Take your multimeter and place it inline with the main power line on the alternator, then plave the meter in the car on the Amps setting and drive aroubnd and monitor.
Take your multimeter and place it inline with the main power line on the alternator, then plave the meter in the car on the Amps setting and drive aroubnd and monitor.
Originally Posted by brad8266
Have very long meter wires first, long enough to go from the alternator to the cabin.
Take your multimeter and place it inline with the main power line on the alternator, then plave the meter in the car on the Amps setting and drive aroubnd and monitor.
Take your multimeter and place it inline with the main power line on the alternator, then plave the meter in the car on the Amps setting and drive aroubnd and monitor.
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Originally Posted by Frost
Yah I don't think you wanna do that. The output exceeds any handheld DMM that I have ever seen. 95+% of them are 10A max. Remeber, you aren't "reading" it like a voltage; all of that current actually has to be routed to pass through the meter.
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Its an inductive adapter that you use with the fluke. I use them for refrigeration work. It is very accurate but it will only tell you the amount of amperage being drawn with a load placed on the system. It will not tell you the full power output capability of your alternator.
Originally Posted by 01WS6/tamu
Its an inductive adapter that you use with the fluke. I use them for refrigeration work. It is very accurate but it will only tell you the amount of amperage being drawn with a load placed on the system. It will not tell you the full power output capability of your alternator.
Originally Posted by edcmat-l1
the best way to test with the inductive amp probe is to turn the headlights on, without the car running, leave them on for a couple minutes. That should drain the battery enough so that after starting it'll make the alt really pump out the amps.
Originally Posted by brad8266
Or just start the car and then disconnect the battery while the car is running, that will place the entire load on the alternator.
Originally Posted by 04BlackGmc
A battery as like a voltage stabilizer if you disconnect it you can do major damage to many elec components.
Originally Posted by 04BlackGmc
A battery as like a voltage stabilizer if you disconnect it you can do major damage to many elec components.
Originally Posted by 04BlackGmc
ok you guys believe what you want.
Fall right in with the other 90% of internet techs that cant ever explain a damn thing that they say.