how to know if it is your battery or alternator?
57684
A simple test to check the working of the alternator is by running your car; and then unplugging the positive connection of the battery. If the car stops, then you most likely have a problem with the alternator. Another simple test is to check your interior lights.
873246
3. Weak or dead battery. ... If the battery is weak or dead, the car will continue to run but the lights will again become dim after a short time, indicating a problem with the charging system. If the vehicle has difficulty starting after the battery is fully charged, the problem likely is with the alternator.
1278626
If, by bad alternator, you mean it isn't charging the battery anymore, you can drive the vehicle until such time as the battery is drained. But this may not be for long at all so don't rely on it for great distances. Also, batteries do not particularly “like” to be completely drained (i.e., it may shorten its life).
801094
["The engine cranks, but won't start. This is most likely to be the result of a flat battery – it could also be an engine ignition or fuel system problem. ... ", "The engine won't crank (and the accessories and lights are off) ... ", "You've had to jump start your car a lot. ... ", 'Your car battery is cracked, swollen or leaking.']
540381
If your car battery is above 12 volts, go for a drive In general, if the battery is showing between 12 and 12.4 volts, it's safe to recharge it using your vehicle's alternator.
1119158
Yes, the alternator does charge the battery while the car is idling - regardless of the load on the battery. However, if your electrical use load (radio, lights, fan, etc) exceeds the amount of charge the battery is receiving from the alternator, you will end up with a discharged battery at some point.
618058
['To determine if the battery is experiencing a problem, turn off all electrical loads and the charging source.', 'For an accurate reading, allow the battery to sit with no electrical loads applied for at least one hour.']
407126
If the alternator starts to die, you might notice your headlights and/or dashboard lights beginning to dim. Once the dash light or headlights dim, it is a clear indication of potential alternator malfunction.
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['A slow starting engine. Over time, the components inside your battery will wear out and become less effective. ... ', 'Dim lights and electrical issues. ... ', 'The check engine light is on. ... ', 'Corroded connectors. ... ', 'A misshapen battery case. ... ', 'An old battery.']
96761
Lights that are dim across the dashboard are also indications of a problem. Both flickering and dimming are strong indications that your alternator is no longer capable of generating adequate power. A battery that seems to be weak or has died may mean your alternator is going bad as well.
36808
['Slow engine crank: When you attempt to start the vehicle, the cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start. ... ', 'Check engine light: The check engine light sometimes appears when your battery power is weak.']
414009
There are a few key signs of a bad alternator. The most common symptom is that the vehicle's charging system will show an issue as the battery-shaped warning light comes on on your dashboard. If this light doesn't come on, the “CHARGE” icon could also come on while you're driving.
850674
Dim or flickering headlights may also indicate alternator failure. You may find the lights brighten as RPMs pick up, but dim as RPMs falls. This is a sure sign that the alternator is not managing to generate enough power to keep up with the cars electrical needs.
538380
['1# Squealing Noises. A squealing noise for a few seconds when starting the engine is a surefire way of telling that the alternator belt is slipping. ... ', '2# Battery Warning Light. A loose alternator belt means that the battery does not get adequate power. ... ', '3# Blinking Lights. ... ', '4# Dead Battery. ... ', '5# Stalled Vehicle.']
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["Decreased MPG. Although there are other symptoms which can negatively impact your MPG, it's likely to be an issue with your battery. ... ", 'Internal Combustion Engine Running More Than Usual. ... ', 'State of Charge. ... ', 'Unexplained Drop in Battery Bars. ... ', 'Unusual Engine Noises.']
555459
You'll need a volt meter to diagnose the charging system correctly. A bad battery can display similar symptoms to a bad alternator. Test the battery voltage with the tractor running, you should see 13-15 volts. If you don't, then test the voltage at the alternator.
602267
Check the reading to see the current voltage of your car battery. Anything lower than 12.2 volts, and it's identified as a bad battery.