How to Determine if the Car Alternator is Generating Electricity?

1 Answers
LaFrancisco
07/29/25 8:45pm
After starting the engine, directly measure with a multimeter. For a single-battery vehicle, the measured voltage should normally be between 12.8V and 14.5V. For some trucks, due to low idle speed, they may not generate electricity at idle but will generate normally when slightly increasing the throttle. Observe the charging indicator light (i.e., battery indicator light) on the dashboard. Before starting the car, turn the ignition switch to the ON position, at which point the charging indicator light should illuminate. After starting the engine, if the charging indicator light turns off, it indicates that the alternator is generating electricity.
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