Multimeter
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
If you have the money and want the best:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/FL...Test Instruments-_-Automotive Testing-_-5BB61
If you don't want to spend a fortune and won't need it for your career:
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-1-2-half-inch-lcd-multimeter-with-tachometer-kit-95670.html
The Fluke is obviously the best of the best, but both will work. If you will only use it a few times and are not a tech for your job I would just go with the Harbor Fright meter.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/FL...Test Instruments-_-Automotive Testing-_-5BB61
If you don't want to spend a fortune and won't need it for your career:
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-1-2-half-inch-lcd-multimeter-with-tachometer-kit-95670.html
The Fluke is obviously the best of the best, but both will work. If you will only use it a few times and are not a tech for your job I would just go with the Harbor Fright meter.
Actually the alternator can put out up to 80ADC or 90ADC at full load. To measure currents up this high you would want something more like this:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...21x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=03473756000P
EDIT: For some reason the link won't go directly to the item, so just search item# 03473756000 on their site.
The other two that I linked would be great for everything else in a car. Usually if you're just concerned about alternator current you can have Advance Auto or PepBoys or Auto Zone test it for you.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...21x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=03473756000P
EDIT: For some reason the link won't go directly to the item, so just search item# 03473756000 on their site.
The other two that I linked would be great for everything else in a car. Usually if you're just concerned about alternator current you can have Advance Auto or PepBoys or Auto Zone test it for you.
What country are your currently in? If internet purchases are available for you then I would recommend a Sears unit.
03482139000 is the item number and would have more than the necessary basic functions for you to use. I use a craftsman meter for the job. They work fine. But you'll need a clamp to test alternator current output.
Does no where around you have a battery tester or alternator tester?
03482139000 is the item number and would have more than the necessary basic functions for you to use. I use a craftsman meter for the job. They work fine. But you'll need a clamp to test alternator current output.
Does no where around you have a battery tester or alternator tester?
Middle east
they never test the battery,they change it.
they test alternator by removing the +ve cable of battery,if your car stays ON means the alternator is working IF NOT you have to change alternator.
Joined
·
1,181 Posts
That Craftsman multimeter also has 10 AMP limit, so it would not work to test the alternator current. I always used DC Volt function on the multimeter to test the alternator. With the car running check the voltage at the battery. If it is between 14.2 and 14.8 Volts, then alternator is working right.
Car might pass the disconnected alternator test (as mentioned by OP), yet the alternator might be overcharging the battery (regulator is broken), resulting in blown fuses and shortened battery life.
PS my Taco alternator put out 110 Amp (tow package), a regular off-the shelf amp meter/multymeter could not handle it.
Car might pass the disconnected alternator test (as mentioned by OP), yet the alternator might be overcharging the battery (regulator is broken), resulting in blown fuses and shortened battery life.
PS my Taco alternator put out 110 Amp (tow package), a regular off-the shelf amp meter/multymeter could not handle it.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
Join the discussion
Join now to ask and comment!