HELP! diagnose dead alt?

I just put in a new (used and tested from junkyard) in my Saturn on Monday. Batt was recharged, and now the car is dead. My hubby said that if car is started and running, disconnect the positive cable. If engine dies, alternator is bad. IS THIS TRUE!

This alt has to be good! I wont have time till Sunday to re-install another!
But if you are reading this and have to change yours, have a 13, 14 and 10 mm wratcheting wrench to get into the really tight spots!!
My sockets wouldn't fit, either to long or too short!

My hubby said that if car is started and running, disconnect the positive cable. If engine dies, alternator is bad. IS THIS TRUE!


true? yes. smart? no. the alternater does not put out a steady voltage, the battery acts as a buffer to absorb the voltage spikes. those voltage spikes uncontrolled can distory the battery.

i would slow charge the battery(or hook up jumper cables to a good battery and let it sit maybe 30 minutes). make sure all battery cable are tight.

a safer way to getto test the atternator: start the car, let it run sitting in your driveway with everything on(radio,HVAC,lights). after a short time (i say 30 minutes), if the alternator is dead, the engine will stall, or at least will run real bad.

if you take the alternator out and its bench test good, but you are still not charging, check your connection and ALL fuses.

I found the loose connection. :rolleyes: Just call me blond I guess! Car ran for 35 minutes on 25% charge with everything on full blast. It still re-starts with no problem. I guess only time will tell about the alternator being bad or not. No light "on" on the dash, so I hope that is correct!
:p Wish my Saturn luck! :)