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Old 06-26-2005, 09:21 AM
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Ramblin Ramblin is offline
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ware Massachusetts
Posts: 358
You can test the voltage with this method but to completely test an alternator the device needs to be load tested to determine what the current output parameters are....I have seen many alternators that put out a correct voltage and barely provide enough current for the needs of the demand in the car. This is usually done with a special device either in an alternator shop or on the car with a portable device that provides a large demand on the alternator to see what it can handle...I recently had an alternator in my VW Golf that put out correct voltage but barely provided enough current to run the car at night with the blower fan on...I changed the regulator in it and it still did not perform up to what it should be. I finally replaced the alternator and it then worked as it should...On this forum it is commonly suggested that voltage be checked and if it is up to spec that the alternator is OK...Nothing can be further from the truth....My 2 cents
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