Alternator Troubleshooting?

[Idahobikergirl]

Just today some of the lights on my dash cluster won't go off; Power Steering, Battery, Brakes, ABS lights are still on. All electrical stuff works.I'm thinking alternator but how do I find out without taking it out and into a shop?
Mary

[Trevor]

Mary, do you have access to a multi meter.? A cheap one is OK and it could be cost affective to purchase one at under $20.00

Select an AC voltage range somewhat over 12 volts. N.B. not a DC range setting. Apply the meter with the probes reversed, i.e. meter positive to negative. There should be virtually no reading battery positive to negative/ground when the engine is not running. If there is a reading with the engine running at say 1500 RPM, this will indicate AC (reversed voltage) on line, originating from a faulty alternator.

I post this on the basis of assumed theory. As not having experienced this fault, I have not tried such a test in practice. Therefore if you do so, please report back, as the information will be of use to others.

There is little else you can do by yourself, and going on reports from others, even a shop may give you an incorrect opinion, so be sure those you take it too are reliable.