Originally posted by AirKnight:
How do you go about checking the alternator without removing it from the car?
Auto Zone uses a portable "carbon pile" (lots o' nichrome wire like a toaster?) type of tester that can roll out to the car to find out whether your alternator is putting out the amps while under severe load.
Otherwise, the alternator should be removed & tested by itself. A marginal alternator will not provide the necessary amperage under load & should be replaced.
