Checking Altenator/battery

[LSC9901]

Is there anyway to do a simple at home check of the altenator and battery. I'm confident my battery is in need of replacement but I was just wondering if there is any way I can check the altenator.

Thanks

[jgr7]

You can check it if you have a volt meter. With the engine off check battery voltage, it should be right a 12V. Now start the engine and check the volts at the battery again, it should be in the 14.2 - 14.4 range. If less then 12 by a volt depending on your meter the battery is most likely bad. If engine running volts are not in the 14.2-14.4 range your alternator is not working properly. Most times when the battery is going bad you will have issues with clock going to 12:00 and no starts just a clicking noise when you try to start.
If it is your alternator you may not notice any thing until your car just dies as the battery goes dead while driving, or you will notice dim lights at night. This time of year the cold has a way of doing in older batteries.
Jeff