Run down to "Radio Shack" and buy a cheap voltmeter, VOM or DVM.
They can be purchased for about 10 bucks. Voltage s/b around 12 volts.
without the engine running, and 13 volts with the engine charging.
If your light is not flickering and is off, then you most likely fixed the
problem.
Bob
John Hobson wrote:
> You remember that battery warning light that was flickering last week?
> Well it wasn't just being a bit odd, it was trying to tell me that my
> alternator was on it's way out! Coming back from work on Friday, first
> radio cuts out, then dash lights dim, and then car seriously loses power
> and then nothing, about 2 miles from home.
>
> Anyhow I managed to pick up an alternator from Spitfire Graveyard for #10
> and fitted it yesterday. Seems to work ok, got me to work this morning
> (although to be on the safe side, no music, heating or lights). At work
> I checked the battery level with a hydrometer, which showed that the
> levels are about the same as they were at the beginning of the journey
> (about 1/2 an hour journey time). The hydrometer does seem to show
> different levels though depending on how much of the acid is sucked into
> it. Anyway should I have expected a significant charge increase over
> this journey? Is there any other way that I can check the charge? Am I
> using the hydrometer correctly (it's a halfords own-brand one). The red
> dash light doesn't glow any more, which is a good sign, although going on
> recent experiences I don't trust just that.
>
> cheers
> John & Saskia
>
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