how can you tell if your car alternator is bad

[DeJulian]

You know an alternator is bad by symptoms like a dashboard warning light, dim or flickering lights, slow or no cranking when starting the car, frequent stalling, a burning smell, or unusual noises like squealing or grinding. For a definitive diagnosis, have a certified mechanic conduct a professional charging system test, although a multimeter check can also be informative, which typically displays around 14 volts if the alternator is working correctly with the engine running.