How To Check A Charging System – EricTheCarGuy
Well this is by request and is a companion to checking a battery so I think I’ll post it as a response to that video. I try to make things easy for you and I think this test fits the bill, you can even use the same tester or just a regular DVOM which is something I think you should have if you are serious about working on cars, I hope to do an entire series on using one of these so be sure to have one.
As always thanks for watching and subscribing.
—
Click below and Stay Dirty
Visit me at EricTheCarGuy.com
Visit EricTheCarGuy Forum
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/forum/default.aspx
Visit my Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/EricTheCarGuy
—
Stay dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express 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 the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
Lmao awesome guy
Very good informative video . Thanks for sharing .
I put after market alternaot and the battery drain after 1 week
I have a 2011 GMC Acadia a w d 3.6 liter I’ve replaced alternator and battery but something is killing the battery it’s over charging if I start it up at idle it’s going passed 15 volts
2021 now, but I remember when this was a new video! Eric we've been friends for years! Thank you Brother!
What if the alternator is charging above 14.5 volts??like 17 volts at idle. What then?
Thank you for all that you have taught me over the years… better than having a dad💪💪‼ï¸ÂÂ
My alternator is new, battery new, tested both and they're fine but getting charging system error still, any advice?
Hey Eric I have a 2014 police interceptor utility explorer I did this and it seemed to work. So far light hasn’t come on. Your a god Eric.
Thanks
ðŸ‘ÂÂðŸ‘ÂÂðŸ‘ÂÂðŸ‘ÂÂðŸ‘ÂÂ
Hi Eric, I have a problem with my 2009 Nissan Rogue I just bought a new battery 3 months ago, after 3 months the star giving me some problems like after being parked on my driveway for 2 o 3 days the battery is dead. i have to charge it every other day. What i could be Eric? Thank you!!
Hi Eric. Thanks for the video. So the battery is good and alternator is fine after.loading it but the battery is still dying ever so often, is it a electrical drain somewhere in the system?
Hi Eric. Thank you for the video. If alternator comes back as good and the battery is fine but the battery still randomly dies, is there a power drain somewhere in the electrical system?
thanks for the vid
I had auto zone check my alternator and battery. Both checked out to be fine. I removed carrion from battery terminals and sprayed terminal protector on terminals. Dashboard is still showing charge system. Any advice?
Sometimes its a connection! I spent over $500 on mechanics to find out why my light's flickered on/off from time to time. I was frustrated they kept telling me it was a short couldnt be found etc etc. So one day i decided let me start from the beginning i checked they battery posts. I seen the negative was loose, it all made sense now everything i hit a bump my headlight would flicker on/off. I was so scared to drive at night cause of feeling they would flicker by a cop and i would get flagged down. Sometimes its just a connection simple fix…
I have had an alternator fail without the dash light light coming on so this test can be useful. My only problem is To drop from let's say a typical alternator output to 12 volts is almost 4 volts voltage drop. That's more 25 %. That is a little too much for roughly 40 amps current draw. I could be wrong I am basing it in instinct rather than mathematical calculation
My 2007 ford sportrac battery and charging light system comes on . have a new battery check alternator but light system still show comes on
Honda accord?
Sure you can that's the best way to check an alternator output. You need an amp clamp though!!
Eric replaced Matt and alt red light still on with meter. Alt chagig
anyone else get the battery light, and a security light at the same time ? Also all my gauges seem to turn off. Any help is appreciated.
I turn my truck on and it shows 11.9 volts. I turn on the a.c. to high and it drops to 11.4 quick. Why? I've had the alternator check in different stores and the alternator is good. Battery was brand new from Wal-Mart and it drained it down to 11.9 volts within a day
hello Eric, really nice video, informatics. I have a Honda 2008 hybrid. the battery light on the dash is on and not charging the 12-volt battery. need your help to fix it.
this is completely wrong look this guys video . Im on my sons acc but i am ASE cert and charging system cert by main part maker in country https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGB6ZEjGm7Q
I got a 02 oldsmobile alero good battery and alternator the connections look good but it is not charging battery
Somebody, anybody….I've had my 2006 Ford freestyle for ONE year. I've had 6 batteries blow up from over charging. I replaced alternator with a remanufactured one and it tests good, 14.2 v is what Ford said is normal…..I also replaced ecm(used one taken from freestyle at salvage yard). Vehicle ran perfect for 3 months, perfect, took me to Ohio from MS went to acting crazy again and boom!!!!!!!!same thing. I've seen numerous mechanics, spent TOO much money on diagnostics and batteries and tows. What can be the issue??????
Dude, you crack me up, this is a no brainer, this is great video, what a simple no nonsense tip, Load the electrical system, if the alternator can't keep up with the load its a good indication its the alternator, This is a great tip!! Thx from Butch
I got a question I got a 2003 Ford Taurus I put a load test on mine is 12.7 or 12.6 volts right for under a load test
Can i test the 'starter' using the same tester? If so. How do i test the starter using the same tester?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO……………………….are you kidding me………………………OMG
When I start my car my tire pressure sensor light comes on ABS comes on traction comes on check engine light comes on brake and park light comes on what is making it do that please? Thank you