How to Test an Alternator

Diagnosing Alternator Problems. Learn how to test an alternator with a Multimeter. Does your car not start, do you have dim headlights or interior lights, does the starter sound weak when start the engine, or does your car die sitting overnight? This video will show you a few ways to test your alternator to see if it is bad, is going bad or is good. A good alternator will show a charge at around 14.2-14.7v while the car is running and under an electrical load it wont drop below 13v.
Here is a great multimeter for under $20: amzn.to/3sy10xH
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Top 10 Mistakes Car Owners Make: • Top 10 Mistakes Car Ow...
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[@jumpercable20]

Hey Chris, I'm a retired auto mechanic, with 4 years experience at General Motors Assy Division, (Back from 1978--1981), then 15 years as ASE cert master at a Chevrolet Dealer, then 4 years at an automotive mechanical claims facility (Call center for under 800.00 repairs). I have to thank and congratulate you for the outstanding job you're doing. You are helping people and asking nothing in return but for people to subscribe to your channel. You are helping thousands of people from being fleeced by the people that take advantage of people that don't know anything about the automobile or the industry that's giving them a bad name due to greed and corruption. My guess is the thumbs down people are the ones losing money thanks to your KZbin help. I just want to thank you and salute your help to people that are tired of being screwed by the shops and mechanics that are more concerned with making money than keeping customers happy.

[@frankramirez86]

Jumpercable wireless sir you are so right...love you comment

[@sasusan1]

I simply don't understand how you get any thumbs down on your videos. Unbelievable; the nature of man. Thanks Chris for your exceptional videos.

[@denoall]

Frank Ramirez i need those 😭

[@georgedavis2634]

If u have an ase and all this experience why are u hear

[@SwayNotZay]

@@georgedavis2634 hear

[@ricardosegoviajr5307]

Outstanding video. Shady mechanic told me I had a bad alternator. Ran these test and it was within the mentioned volt range. All that was needed was to clean connector to alternator. You saved me $350. THANK YOU!!!!

[@chrisfix]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@tnamen1307]

@@chrisfix My car has parasitic current draw of .02 amps under 12.6 volt 45ah battery. What would be the voltage of the car after sitting straight unused for 48 hour????

[@Apocolis64]

@@tnamen1307 There are acceptable current draws in newer vehicles. New car manufacturers say that 30-50mA (can be upwards of 80mA for trucks with a lot of accessories)is acceptable. Anything higher than I'd worry about it. Clocks and computers to some degree stay on even when in sleep mode so you'll always have draw.

[@Apocolis64]

Realistically .5V and below is acceptable loss throughout a vehicles entire circuit. Anything more than 1/2 a volt and I'd then worry about finding where the voltage is going.

[@tnamen1307]

@@Apocolis64 the voltage drops to 12.40 from 12.60 in just 2 days. Is this ok??

[@TDMack12]

Finally, someone that do an instructional video that's to the point and no rambling about irrelevant matters unrelated to what the viewers are seeking. Chris you are the textbook example of how videos for DIY's should be done. Thank you much.

[@tigerlily8504]

EXACTLY!!!

[@turkishexpress]

Agreed!

[@israelvibrations100]

Agreed 100,000%!

[@sincereoneson]

I definitely agree.🎉🎉🎉❤

[@reneecollins462]

You are my hero. Since I lost my husband I've had to figure out how to do a lot of things on my own. The information you provide is detailed and specific and clear and anytime I watch one of your videos I come away with confidence that I have learned what I need to know from you. I appreciate so much everything you post because even if it doesn't apply to me today at some point I'm sure I'll need the information and the information you provide is so good thank you so very much for everything you do.

[@thenightporter]

Renee, your post made me tear up. I am sad to hear that you lost your husband. I commend and admire you for having the strength to help yourself. I sense that you are a kind lady. I am on my own too and it is tough when we have to do everything ourselves. It IS kind of fun though when someone at work will talk about a car issue and we can pipe it, "have you checked ______?" and share the wisdom we learned from Chris (only we don't cite him). Even the men at work look at me and ask, "how do you know that?!" I fib and say, "I know some mechanics. I watched. I learned. I fixed some cars." 😆

[@demetriusjackson472]

@@thenightporter !0

[@mattthambirajahpt286]

100% - This channel has saved me thousands.....

[@solarsolari6705]

RIP, to your husbands ladies, but you have to move on and get married again......

[@audreyrose7450]

@@solarsolari6705tf are you even talking about

[@anitamackeigan108]

Finally, someone who speak plain simple language and doesn't ramble on or try to sell something!! Thank you!!

[@columbia1991]

I really enjoy your tips and this one saved me a ton! Our 6 year old Lexus had trouble starting so I took it to Lexus. They said I needed a new battery ($400) and a new alternator ($600). They charged me $120 to diagnose! I guess I should have just gone to an auto store! Looking at the battery I noticed it was the original and there was a label indicating an 84 month warranty. I asked the service advisor and then he told me that I was eligible for a 25% proration off a new battery so it would be “only” $300 but he highly recommend terminal cleaning and protection for an additional $25. I was pissed so I paid the $120 diagnostic fee and drove it home. I went to Costco and bought a larger AGM battery (27F vs 24F) and it fits perfect. I then followed your steps and discovered that the alternator is fine. I could kick myself for taking it to the dealer for diagnostics but I didn’t know how to check the alternator until later. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@leevww]

Dealers and auto mechanics in general are liars and thieves.. Find an honest one, they are out their ,few and far between but you can find one... , then stick with them. The rest let them Rot,, this industry is about the worse their is..Having bought and sold and repaired dozens if not 100s of cars over my lifetime,,this is what I've found to be true...

[@poison2285]

Dealership techs will do anything to get those extra hours.

[@bibo3373]

Man, Life would have been easier 50 years ago if we had the internet. Life is getting better in a lot of ways. Not all though. Thanks, and you deserve your subscription and view numbers.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks! The goal it to help people!!!

[@zazarays]

@@hoobered1232 No denying everything takes longer that way

[@mrrice3443]

@@hoobered1232 Right on ! And you didnt h have to worry about misinformation or lies .

[@mrrice3443]

@David McKee Yes I have to admit I have learned more about more things since the web just because of the speed of acquiring info . I wish we had KZbin back when I was learning the guitar . I used to taperecord song off of the radio and slow them down by wedging something into the tapedeck and play them over and over 100s of times to learn a song or find a tablature in guitar mag . Now you can find a lesson on just that song maybe even by the original artist . Learn the song in 30 - 45 min

[@dvader3000]

@David McKee oh wow. You must be lazy,reading books is a bad thing for you?

[@martinbenson7652]

My wife's car battery was going flat after a week and knowing it wasn't that old I suspected the alternator. I was ready to buy a new one and just tried to find out how to test it first. So glad I came across your channel as the problem was a bad earth between the alternator and it's bracket. A little cleaning and the voltage drop went from .16 to .05 The car is charging fine so $$$ saved thanks to you. Cheers mate.

[@CatalystSM]

One of the best auto DIY videos I’ve watched. Easy to follow, explained well without over doing it. Extremely helpful- thanks.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot!

[@tobsternater]

Yes....your videos are so well explained and factual. No issues with being the look at me guy while you're shooting. Very appreciated!

[@lando8398]

I was always told to disconnect the positive cable from the battery and if the car shut off, it was the alternator. I just checked everything like you described, and it turns out that it is the alternator not producing enough current. I'm still going to use your tips, especially after I install the new one. Thanks for your tips on properly diagnosing an alternator, I'm sure you've saved a lot of people a small fortune.

[@jonathanr6297]

I've heard that method worked for older cars but could screw up the electronics on newer cars. It's no longer suggested.

[@johnbox1135]

Just saved me $150! Cleaned connection to alternator and now it is working like new!

[@skyrat174]

Lol!

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

It's been a while since I've had to test an alternator so I needed a "refresher course". I'm glad to have found this simple, too the point video that told me everything I needed to know. It helped me figure out that my brothers car didn't need an alternator but just a new battery. We had several days of sub-zero temps last week and his battery gave up. Now, if I can only get him to reimburse me for the price of the new battery lol!

[@davehawkins403]

Chris, you are a ROCKSTAR! Thank you for helping me fix pretty much every issue I have had with my vehicles. You’ve helped me save $1000’s of dollars doing it myself! Thanks man!

[@Scyther7881]

Can’t thank you enough. You helped me determine that my alternator was, in fact, bad but more importantly when it came time for me to replace it I paid extra close attention to the wires and bolts only to find that my negative terminal on the battery was rusty, the chassis ground was loose, AND the chassis ground wire was frayed. As soon as I replaced the alternator and negative terminal wiring my car started right up and it sounds better than ever. Thank you so much.

[@debruin14]

This video was awesome! Did the negative voltage drop test on the alternator. Found I had 0.8Vs of drop between the alternator housing and the battery! Pulled alternator and cleaned/sanded brackets and bolts and boom! Alternator putting out 14.4V instead of 13.8.. under load it was below 12.75V before cleaning. After cleaning it held over 14V with everything turned on. Great tips! Thanks Chris!

[@chrisfix]

Awesome! Thanks a lot Luke!

[@w1ldthin9]

what does removing and then cleaning the brackets do? provide for a better ground?

[@lojo2136]

Thank You for sharing your knowledge in a very detailed informative and understandable manner without the nonsense,(boring, confusing and unnecessary babble) wasting valuable time while never giving a clear answer to the related question. 🙏🏻

[@chrisfix]

+shane Blandford-scherr, I cannot reply to your comment for some reason but I hope you see this. If it only shows 11v then it can be a bad alternator, connection, or voltage regulator. Did you do the voltage-drop test I showed at the end of this video? That will let you know if the connection is bad. I think you just need a new alternator. The car is old and 170k miles is a lot of miles.

[@shaneblandford-scherr3375]

Thank you, I will do the voltage drop test, and if it fails that I'm pretty sure I'll end up scrapping it, clutch is completely shot anyways thanks again, great videos btw will subscribe

[@layuptech]

hey Chris finally ran that wire have had it for a while now just procrastinating but still no dice there is no fluctuation in voltage when reving the engine .My un trained mind instantly thinks bad alternator could autozone have lied to me two times on separate occasions in different cities tuff one to believe what I did discover is that there is some resistance at the terminals from alternator to battery to fuse box but but it seemed like the outer surface there is continuity so if you have anything that comes to mind really would appreciate it

[@haroldwilliams4722]

ChrisFix

[@TEBCO123]

ChrisFix Nice video

[@jman4573]

Hey Chris I’m having issues with my 04 Silverado my battery not charging message popped up and I check voltage and it will decline into 11.5 as I drive once I turn car on though battery goes back up to 12.4. I don’t know what my problem could be truck turns on every time

[@JamieDelour]

Chris, you're doing a great service for people far and wide! Thank you

[@chrisfix]

I am glad the videos are helpful!!!

[@jay-nh6et]

Chris, u said that the voltage should not drop below 13.0v with loads on, but then u go on and say it should not drop to 12.7v. So which one? thanks for all ur help, you're awesome.

[@jamesleonard408]

Jamie Delour

[@jimdavidson5208]

Shouldn't drop at all. Long as you have anough alternator to created the DC voltage and current. Also proper wire size and terminations. If your system drops below idle no load voltage, you have an issue. The entire vehicle and audio slash lighting systems are being under fed/performance.

[@uplay64]

James Leonard 2012 Volkswagen Jetta s

[@WilliamDye-willdye]

Yesterday I replaced the alternator on my 1G DSM (a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse). This was a very big deal for me, because I don't know much about cars. Replacing an alternator was the most complicated auto repair task that I'd ever attempted, so I watched several KZbin videos to help me understand what I was getting into. This video was one of the best, so thank you for posting it. The new alternator seems to be working great so far. I plan to check on it during the next few days, using sources such as this video as my guide. Thanks again.

[@chrisfix]

+William Dye Awesome! That is great you were able to change the alternator! It isnt too bad and now you are ready to do more stuff! Glad the video was helpful!

[@FeelFighters]

I know this is 3 years old. But I also have a 1g dsm, it's a 90 talon Tsi, but you're lucky that was your first car repair. Some alternators I've done, you need to remove the tire and get under the car because its towards the firewall. 1g dsm alternator is a piece of cake, I hope everything worked out and that old beast is still running. Cheers.

[@Legacyyyyyyyyyyyyyy]

used this video to diagnose a failed alternator in my wife's car and then replaced it. over the years you've saved me thousands. thanks chris

[@lamusicamees424]

1989 Jeep YJ owner here. Thanks Chris for this very well explained video and giving me clear instructions on how to check all this and the reasons and logic in strange readings. Brilliant video. Thanks for reaching me how to figure these gremlins out and what to clean and replace. 100/100

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot!

[@dkeiepps5606]

Just swapped out a battery that went dead for a new one and wasn’t sure how to know if my alternator was the issue to begin with. This helped a lot and straight to the point you’ve gained a new subscriber. Thanks.

[@chrisfix]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@tempgar]

Thanks for an elegant, good, informative, clear, uncluttered video. I didn't have to sift through bad comedy or bad music or other gimmicks but just got what I needed. Well done and thanks again.

[@8216.]

Battery died twice it was a brand new battery Honda has not been moving two years when I will turn it on I hear a bearing noise I remove the alternator, turn the car on and the noise continues so it was not the alternator I put it back, But that’s when the battery died, had to jumpstart it, I follow the steps on this video and the problem was I did not connect the cable from battery to the alternator it looked like it was connected but it was not, I learned to check every connection in detail so you can pinpoint the problem exactly good video

[@dumpsterstu4474]

New years day my Alternator went out on my Civic I needed a refresher course on testing it. Thanks for making this video.

[@215.civicsi7]

10th gen civic?

[@manuelp7912]

Hi your video is really GREAT! The way you do this voltage drop tests make a lot of sense! I am a retired electric engineer, with more than 50 Years of experience and I never saw this very logic tests IN A CAR! Keep on going my friend!!!!

[@fongdeep3583]

Love your videos Chrisfix! I used this video to diagnose an alternator issue with my 2008 Civic. It's almost at 300000 kms and your detailed and thorough videos are a big part of helping it make it to that milestone!

[@bigbenchrob]

Your video came up in a Google search for “how to test alternator”. You concisely provided exactly the information I needed to answer my question. Without all the crap. Sincerely, thank you!

[@chrisfix]

I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@gtrust1779]

This is the perfect pace and amount of detail for me to learn. Its very satisfying when you find a tuber tuned to your learning pace and style. Thanks for your work Chris

[@tobsternater]

Yes....great pace...explained in plain speak. Well done to you!

[@thenightporter]

I agree

[@winfieldritzert2176]

Yes! Very important that tutorials aren't rushed or bogged down with too much info. This, as you said, was perfect...

[@Jaspervandeno]

Thanks man! my battery was discharging and I ran all of these tests, turns out to be a bad chassis ground. Cleaned it, and now it works again

[@BIG_DRU]

How did you fknd out that it was a bad chassis ground?

[@Jaspervandeno]

@@BIG_DRU It was just the last thing I checked, it looked corroded so I sanded and cleaned it and then it worked again

[@juliorubalcava95]

@@Jaspervandeno how do you find your chassis ground b

[@Jaspervandeno]

@@juliorubalcava95 its mounted on the firewall

[@Odika2]

This video can't be any clearer. Awesome and so glad he did not add any music in the background. Keep it up! I am going to create a spread sheet on the instruction, print it and have it handky to fill in my own results, to compare with.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot! Glad the video was helpful!

[@PaulClifford]

I know this is an older video (and it bums me when people comment on my older videos like they're brand new, not that my 10k subs is anything like Chris's), but THX. I know if you've done a video on something, I can trust the info. My 99 Camaro was parked for like 11 days and when I went to start it, it was dead, so I jumped it and thought nothing of it, knowing I do have a light that stays on a little too long...and then it wouldn't start again when I was gonna go to the gym yesterday. This video helped me figure out that it was the alternator and not the battery, so one online order, 20-30 minutes of work later and I can now tell that my suspicions about the alternator being bad were correct. I work from home, so it was great to do this faster than a mechanic could b/c there weren't other cars in line ahead of me and I didn't need to take it elsewhere. Thx again Chris.

[@electroaddiction]

Hey ChrisFix, you just saved me 300€! After a battery replacement, I was told that the alternator was bad .. went home and followed your video and found out that alternator is fine. I went back to the garage and they checked it again and with all accessories turned on, voltage was 13.5v and they said it has to be greater than 13.6v .. unreal lol

[@TPOANME]

I trust you left a review on that business so others know to be wary.

[@ReMz10184]

As long as you dont seem to be losing electrical power and car starts right up, no worries. If that is the case, that shop is desperate and full of crap. Edit: btw, and rebuilt alternator costs about $75. It is a really easy job. 30 minutes for a pro and maybe 2 hours as a newbie.

[@Rhaspun]

@@TPOANME Yes. Give a review. It can help others.

[@explodinghead75]

@@ReMz10184 Not for my car. A rebuilt one is $180. :(

[@ReMz10184]

@@explodinghead75 Yeahhhhhh.... depends on the car. I dont even want to price out an alternator for my f350

[@craig4197]

Well explained, and I love it when you say, "I'm good." Then move right along... very informative and efficient. I test wires in the field for a living, and I learned a few tricks to apply to cars. Great job, and you have a subscriber. You know your stuff.

[@zahimiibrahim3602]

Thank you so much Chris, I have a problem with either my alternator or battery and tonight I'm going to find out which one it is using your excellent tutorial.

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

Best video on this subject on KZbin. I watched an awful lot of them too. Couldn’t understand any of it till this one.

[@chrisfix]

I'm glad this was the best video! Thanks!

[@pwanlass]

Thank you so much! This video saved me so much time and money on my wife's car.

[@kodyburlein3227]

Thanks for the lesson bro ur a good visual teacher clear and speaker and decent camera guy. We need more youtuber with ur teaching abilities! Much Love, Dakota Burlein

[@randallposey4392]

Thank you, young man. You really packed in a whole lot of information. Great job. A video cleaning the connections would be helpful. Not for me, but for those new DIY'S out there. A lot of money is wasted on buying alternators and batteries that are not needed. Happy New Year and have a blessed 2020.

[@CandSAZ]

This is a great video showing how to test your own vehicle battery at home if you own a multimeter. The only part you may want to change is where you said that you can add bottled water to the serviceable batteries. I wouldn't recommend that. Use only distilled water for lead acid batteries. I am a former Service Manager for a tire & lube shop and a former Technician at a water bottling facility. Thank you for making it easier for the D.I.Y.'r! 👍👍

[@kimwilmot693]

Terrific video. To the point with no useless commentary. Thank you so much for the great detail in what to do. 👍🏻

[@vinny2474]

years later and im still using this video for car problems. great video :)

[@emmanueldipom7183]

Thank you. This is something that I needed my dad's car has a bad alternator and this is something that helps.

[@Voiceman6]

Hi Chris, This was just like windows for dummies, so easy to follow along, just copy your instructions and results as you predicted, saved big on not having to get a new alternator. Dummy from UK but not so dumb now, cheers 🍻 Bob😁👌

[@Gixx2000]

This vid is excellent - I especially appreciated the voltage drop test reminder. Clear, concise, well done! I'm a subscriber 👍

[@Endangeredgenius]

As always, you do a very thorough job with explaining and disclaimers. I always go to your videos when I get stuck because I know you do the job correctly with proper facts and backed up information to support the tasks at hand. I recommend your channel to any and all. Thank you Chris!

[@SadeceENler]

Thanks Chris ! Thanks to you i have repaired a lot in my car and friends car also even started to make some extra money :) Trying to get better via your videos and who knows maybe soon will start running my own car repair shop ! Thx dude and you deserve each follower ! Cheers !

[@chrisfix]

That's what I love to hear! Thanks a lot!

[@IvanCelant]

Thanks

[@rvscootin3457]

Great Video and Thanks!!! As a side note... You could also disconnect each wire, and use the Ohm (resistance) function on the meter to check for excessive resistance. This would cause the same voltage drop issue if there was excessive resistance.

[@SeanKStephens]

Excellent video quality, I really like that you don't ramble about nonsense, you presented a set of diagnostic steps that I could convert easily into notes. I haven't done this kind of work in 30 years. Economic circumstances brought me back to the car repair world for my own cars and this is going to save me a lot of heartache with modern expensive mechanics.

[@paulcostelow7713]

Chris, Your videos have made me a better mechanic, I've learned a lot from the many videos you've made. Thank you very much!!! Paul

[@jllewislewis5210]

There is the old school to check if alternator is bad or not,,, donbt need multimer or wahtever..KKE'

[@cehuddl]

Chris keep up the great videos. You teach me more about auto maintenance than anyone else on KZbin.

[@Airvidal]

I just changed an alternator that was faulty. Thanks for your amazing video!!!

[@chrisgianoutsos4837]

Man, great vid! Going to test my alternator today, had no idea what to do. Your video made it very easy to understand, and love that you went through the whole series of checks for bad ground. Thank you sir!

[@EricT3769]

Wow. 9-year-old video, but still so relevant and very timely for me. Also saved me over $400 on a new alternator. I just had a bad battery. Thank you so much!

[@terryh9721]

Thanks for the video. I've had one of these meters for a while and had no idea i could use it to check a battery and alternator. Saved me from changing my alternator. Thanks again,.

[@chrisfix]

I'm glad the video was able to help you out!

[@SotosMoud]

Thank you for all your helping vids man! I'm planning to fix an old audi a4 and am really struglling with the battery stuff. Your information and advice are a great helper, keep it up.

[@jameswalker1210]

Fantastic video! Well filmed, diagnosed, instructed, & explained! Easy learning video, thank you Chris.

[@TacoWrath95]

I noticed one day when starting my car up that it was suddenly very weak, and had developed an odd, high-pitched whirring noise. I thought it might have been because I forgot to turn off the air conditioner before shutting the car off, but then I also noticed the windows opened and closed much more slowly than they had before. Thanks to this video, I was able to diagnose the alternator as the issue, seeing the battery was no longer getting charged with a constant 12.6. Thank you for the video.

[@darkfireBikes]

Gotta love that free Harbor Freight multi meter

[@chrisfix]

Haha, yea man!

[@darkfireBikes]

ChrisFix it's how I fixed the squirrel damage on my 2000 Mazda B4000 4x4

[@chrisfix]

That sounds bad.

[@darkfireBikes]

ChrisFix but I got that truck for 200 bucks. Then 25 bucks off wire and heat shrink and now I got a near perfect truck

[@chrisfix]

Well, that worked out nicely! Great job!

[@BearClawJ]

Damn this is a perfect, straight to the point video. Love it👍🏻

[@richardcard2290]

One of the best videos Ive seen, you’ve helped a lot of people including me, Top Man, Thank You.

[@tjdrama3808]

Great info. I watched it 3 times. I love learning car stuff on KZbin. Some many people to thank for helping throughout the years. You made a sub out of this guy! Thank you for the video. Cant wait to binge watch your older videos. Welp, here I go!

[@SnackAttack77]

Thank you so much brother! The end of of your vid with the voltage drop test was what allowed me to find that I had a bad alternator from Rock Auto and nothing else!

[@Straightlurkn]

A 6 year old tutorial definitely helped me today! Thanks a lot Chris!

[@paulthompson832]

I'm a macanic and this Guy knows what he is taking about!! good onya

[@Dataisthetruth]

Question is as a mechanic do you take the time to really check or do you simply try to get the customer to purchase something they don’t need..........

[@toddhansson1613]

Buying a multimeter as you suggested and testing my battery and alternator following your videos has given me peace of mind knowing I don’t need to spent (waste) $$$ having to replace either. Thank you

[@martinhernandez8802]

Just what I needed as a guide to test my alternator. Thanks Chrisfix.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot! I'm glad the video is exactly what you needed!

[@davidcampos1514]

Informative video dude👍 Awesome👍

[@kevincovins3546]

Question chris ... I just finished honda PACT ... they were not as detailed as this ... who taught you all this?? Its like you concentrated on just the alternator for 6 months to know all this ... who taught you??

[@billsweitzer8475]

@@chrisfix -,--',xz,,,------,

[@trademark256]

What if my battery is located in the trunk?

[@blcdad]

Explained great like in all of your videos! I would also suggest checking the connection of the actual battery terminal to the clamp itself and the battery cable where it connects to the clamp. That's where probably 90+% of the problems lie. Be careful with probing the alternator output with the probe! Touching the alternator output and the alternator case ground or any other ground will make a big spark! It could also damage the alternator!

[@petecolantonio45]

One of the best step by step how too's that I have found ... Thank you...

[@WeekendMuse]

So glad to find your video. It was posted 9 years ago but is still one of the best videos about how to test an alternator I’ve come across, and I have watched a few. Well done! Thumbs up from a new subscriber to your channel.

[@OldGeezer55]

Dude! Thanks for making this as simple as you did. I just checked my sweethearts old 1995 BMW 318iS and got 12.4 at the battery and after starting the car, watched it drop it 11.2 after starting it. Bingo. As someone pointed out, when the battery light comes on, it's always the alternator, but it's nice to know the way to confirm it. I even used the same "free" voltmeter from Harbor Freight. (Be sure to have the wires going to the negative and the positive going to the one right above the negative or you'll melt the wires). I purchased an alternator from eBay and will have the old beast going next Saturday. Thanks for helping this old geezer! Subscribed and Belled!

[@marsoelflaco5722]

Thanks for the straight to the point, no nonsense instructions and information. It came in handy! 👍🏽✌🏽

[@ashc5536]

Mate, I’m in Perth Western Australia and you have saved me a ton of money recently through your great vids. Thanks, and keep up the great work!

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot!

[@riom6768]

Best channel on KZbin. You've helped me so much fixing my own car and family members cars. Thank you so much. No more having to take my car to a crooked mechanic. Can't trust anyone these days.

[@newyork819]

Chriss, you're ok for me. I give you two thumbs up for this. You reminded me what I forgot long ago how to check my 1991 Mustang. Keep up the good work.

[@chrisfix]

Achilles Jeserich 12.2V is not that bad and shouldnt cause your car to run out of juice every three days. If your battery is bad, then sure it will die in a few days, but it seems like you might have a short or some type of parasitic draw somewhere. I would try this: How to Diagnose a Short in your Car

[@916_wedo2Nine]

I have a 1970 c10 that has a external regulator and it's not charging the voltage while run is only 12.5 I can't figure it out I've replaced the regulator and alternator and battery any suggestions

[@chrisfix]

Kam Nobel What if you put the red lead the + post on the alternator and the black lead on the case of the alternator, what voltage do you get?

[@916_wedo2Nine]

ChrisFix 0.01 ground is 0.02 block is 0.01

[@916_wedo2Nine]

Not sure I haven't done that?

[@chrisfix]

Kam Nobel Try it and let me know!

[@snowdome4113]

Great video, hands down, explained very clearly. I just learned something new. A huge "THANK YOU" to you!

[@MrLESRAJ]

40 yrs as an industrial electrician, learn the best advice from you, thank you.

[@jefflaird7770]

Very good video!! Very clear and easy to follow. Exactly what people are looking for. Subbed!

[@chrisfix]

Awesome, thank you!

[@zombienation4788]

Thanks Chris! I watched a few of your videos and there outstanding so i finally subscribed. keep up the great work!

[@chunkyfather29]

wow, this video is exceptionally well made. That's a milli for making it

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Chris your a star. Over here in the UK my wasn't starting so I got the company who sold me a battery for it to test it as its 3 years old and guaranteed for 4 years. They said it was fine. So had my van towed to a local garage which cost me money and they now say it needs a new battery. Who do I believe then !. Garage have recharged battery so I am collecting it tomorrow. But now I have watched your video I can check for myself whether alternator is charging before I claim compensation from either company. Thanks Chris.

[@lexsoft3969]

I want you to show the output voltage of the alternator, i.e measured across its B terminal and its ground. However what you have displayed here is sufficient to give rough but adequate measurement of alternator performance. Measuring at battery terminals are usually sufficient for that purpose, unless we want further details. As for my car, when the engine is off, my battery voltage is about 13V; when the engine is on and no usage of other electric related parts, the battery voltage is about 14.5V. The battery is new, so that is expected. :)

[@Afeeq1011]

i already bought the parts for my car then i watched this video, wanting to be sure that it is the alternator that is faulty since the battery is new, i bought a cheap multimeter and it does turns out my alternator was bad since the reading is only 12v when the car's running (after jumpstart of course) nice to know that the parts you bought isn't wrong

[@chrisfix]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@britishpeopleyellowteeth6071]

ChrisFix can i use clamp reater

[@Querencias7]

Thank you CF for another excellent, helpful how-to tutorial. Great to see your experience, knowledge, and sincere efforts to teach are all on the rise. You are on your way to a successful career. All the best to you young man.

[@chrisfix]

Querencias7 Thanks a lot! I appreciate it! Im doing my best!

[@milfinu]

I like the fact you show EXACTLY what to touch how to test and what look for when testing.

[@mandyjoi7015]

Thank YOU!!! This is so helpful and a bonus that we have the same truck. You rock Chris😃😃😎

[@chrisfix]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@shawnmerriman2328]

I had a bad chassis ground not a bad alternator. Thanks great video saved me time and money.

[@ludwiglazaro1136]

Great!very precise !you deserve thumbs up as always!Thank you is not even enough to appreciate your works!

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot!

[@drdestroyer0739]

@@chrisfix what if I have to jump it to test it

[@GaryWold96]

Couldnt have said better myself

[@ghostman8]

Chris I've been watching you for YEARS and here I am like 7 years later double checking your video just to be sure

[@jesusortiz6842]

People like you make a better world. Sharing all your knowledge with us . Thanks a lot Chris.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot!

[@benjaminnielsen4288]

Hi Chris, Your videos are very helpful. Thorough, to the point, and easy to understand. No needless filler non-sense. Well done. I'm going to go out and do the tests for my vehicle batteries and alternators and see what comes of it. Thank you! 🤘

[@chrisfix]

Thanks a lot!

[@orietrecknell2982]

I really like the way he explains it! even I can do this.

[@chrisfix]

+Oriet Recknell Awesome! That is the goal!

[@dougg4708]

+ChrisFix My wifes Jeep sat for three months... bad alternator which you explain to a tee. I didn't know you pull to the right to loosen the belt. I was raised left lucy, righty tighty.

[@bunnyedelstein5927]

Thank You!!! My buddy has a 2010 Jeep Liberty that was showing all the perfect signs of a bad alternator. So last night we jump started it and brought it back to my place so I could pull the alternator this morning, and while I was watching another video for friendly tips on how to do that, this video popped up and I decided to give it a look. FINALLY I got a chance to use my spiffy new volt meter! Of course the battery was in the low 10's with the engine off, but we jumped it and it was checking 14.6 - 14.7., but before we jumped it I checked and it turns out some shibididobo put a 20 amp 2 prong fuse in the M7 Cig/acc slot where there's supposed to be a 3 prong 20 amp fuse. yanked that incorrect 2 prong fuse out, drove the thing around for about half an hour to forty five minutes and turned it off. Battery checks 12.12 and is starting normally. I didn't get 2 minutes through this video and saved a butt-ton of wasted effort and time today, so thank you for that. Liked and subscribed. Keep up the good stuff! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@noir8867]

Thank you so much for the help Chris you saved me over 400 bucks

[@sevenstring777]

Thanks for the info! I appreciate you taking time to explain this.

[@GeeQ67]

Thank you for taking the time and uploading this video. We appreciate it.

[@chrisfix]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@silverbackanimal7215]

Finally someone with the full check list , easy to understand for even my grandma

[@Turbo4263]

Chris your the best. I love how you explain things clear and make it dummy proof!