How To Bench Test An Alternator. Answer 1 of 4. Loose corroded or damaged wiring terminals at the.

If an alternator can produce normal voltage and current during a bench test the problem is not the alternator but something else on the vehicle. The PCM controls the ground side of the alternator rotor field circuit. The first course of action is to check the wiring carefully that runs between the alternators main power wire and the battery.
If everything appears fine the alternator should be removed and bench tested which can be done for free at AutoZone.
Then start the engine and check for increased voltage readings. If you dont have access to a multimeter or dont feel comfortable dealing with electricity remove the alternator from the Ford and take it to an auto parts store where they can bench-test it for you. More sophisticated testing equipment is needed to detect an open or shorted alternator diode Step 2. Or at least that used to be a common drive ratio So if you are assuming a 1500 rpm engine speed you need to spin that alternator about 3500 rpm.

