One can, with an inexpensive digital voltmeter, check the charging voltage.
A battery by itslef should show around 12.5 volts, give or take if reasonably charged, Lower indicates discharged battery.
On a low battery, it will usually show around 12.5 volts or more after the engine is started, and should gradually climb to 13.8 to 14.4 volts. A few vehicles will show a higher voltage. If it climbs too fast from a dead batter, then most likely the battery is NG. If it never gets up to at least 13.8 volts, then it's likely the alternator or regulator is bad.
For the record, with one or more diodes blown in the alternator, it will still charge, but at a lower rate, and may not get to the proper voltage.
With a built in regulator, you ae limited to replacing the alternator, unless you have the expertise to take the alternator apart (and properly reassemble same), and check and replace defective parts. this is providing you can get the needed parts.
At the same time, you'd also want to check the bearings for roughness or too much play. A properly remanufactured alternator has new bearings, brushes, voltage regulator (for built in types), and possibly diodes.
Wayne WA2YNE
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Originally Posted by danvhp
Run it by AutoZone. They will check the condition of the electrical system and that will take the mystery out of what is wrong. Good luck!!!
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