Can an alternator put out volts but no amps?

If the voltage is 14+V and no amps are being drawn then the problem is almost certainly not with the alternator. If the batteries can draw more current than the alternator can supply then the voltage won’t climb to 14. Since the alternator was putting no current out the batteries were charged.

What is acceptable charging voltage output from an alternator?

Most alternators that are charging properly should produce a voltage of about 13.8 to 14.2 volts at idle with the lights and accessories off.

What are symptoms of a bad alternator?

4 Symptoms of a Faulty Alternator

• Car Won’t Start. A dead battery almost always lies behind a car that won’t start.
• Engine Stalling. A dead alternator almost always leads to a car that won’t start.
• Electrical Issues. A dying alternator can lead to a wide range of other electrical issues.
• Unusual Sounds.

How do I check my alternator amps charging?

Turn on all the electrical equipment in the car: lights, stereo, wipers and everything else you can. Let the engine idle at around 1200 rpm. Check your car’s manual or parts manual to see what your alternator’s maximum amperage should be. The amp reading on your meter should be near the maximum output.

How do you check amps on a alternator?

Alternator amp output test.

1. Clamp the ammeter around the positive output wire on the alternator.
2. Connect the carbon pile to the battery.
3. Zero out the ammeter (connect as above and perform the test with the vehicle off).
4. Start the vehicle and hold the engine at around 1,500 rpm.

Can a bad battery cause low charging voltage?

Battery Condition Matters – Its the whole charging systems buffer.. If there was any other battery drain condition and you went to check the charging system with a drained battery (11.8V is 0\% state-of-charge), then even a fully capable alternator will show low voltage.

How do you test an alternator to unplug the battery?

If you’re tempted to test an alternator by disconnecting the negative battery cable, don’t do it. A good alternator may indeed keep the engine running without the negative cable, but this was never a good test. In the pre-computer days, you could pull it off without damaging anything.

Why does my alternator overcharge?

The reasons alternators overcharge include issues with the battery, drive belt, alternator output, external regulator and type of alternator, explains AA1Car.com. Issues with these specific components result in the alternator overcharging the vehicle’s battery and electrical system.

What causes overcharging alternator?

A malfunctioning external regulator does not disengage properly, which causes the alternator to overcharge, AA1Car.com explains. This is the part of the alternator that regulates the amount of electricity the vehicle needs to perform at varying speeds. Alternator output is another reason for overcharging.

What are the signs of a bad alternator?

The symptoms of a bad alternator include strange noises, similar to a grinding or whining noise and an illuminated warning light. Other less noticeable and less common symptoms include weird sounds and bad smells. A burning rubber smell becomes noticeable when the alternator is going bad because the alternator works with the belt system.

Why would an alternator overcharge?

Alternator overcharging? Battery dies/has bad cell/wont hold charge, whatever the problem is. It is a 3 year old stock battery. Alternator tries to compensate for the dead battery. The extra strain on the alternator causes noise to be induced into the electrical system and heard through the speaker.