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Topic: Checking alternator (Read 388 times) |
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Kjetil S
Senior Member
2001 BMW 520iat
Posts: 1419
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Checking alternator
« on: Dec 6th, 2006, 12:49pm » |
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What is the best/easiest way to check the "health" of an alternator on a 16v?
Used to have problems with the engine not turning over when trying to start. Replaced starter, and the problem lessened. Replaced battery (stuck in an 80A Banner), and the problem almost disappeared. However, today I got the problem again after taking 5-6 short(ish) trips.
Starting to wonder if the alternator isn't giving enough "juice" when charging.
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harry.m1byt
Full Member
What's YaBB?
Posts: 792
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Re: Checking alternator
« Reply #1 on: Dec 6th, 2006, 6:59pm » |
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The quick easy way is to check the voltage with an accurate digital voltmeter.
Connect voltmeter set on the 20v range, start engine and with no loads other than ignition voltage should be between 13.8 to 14.4v at idle.
Turn on headlights, fogs, fan, f+r screen heaters etc., increase revs to 3,000 and voltmeter should still read between 13.8 to 14.4v.
13.8 when the battery has reached a full charge and engine has been rnning for a good while and charging system settled down.
14.4v usually when the car has just been started from cold and is putting the cranking discharge back into the battery.
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