Virtually all digital multimeters have a low-current ammeter built in. Disconnect the main charging lead from the alternator, and connect the ammeter in series with the circuit with the engine not running. (One lead to the wire, the other to the alternator output stud) It will be necessary to connect one of the meter leads to a different spot on the meter dedicated to "ammeter only". The current flow should be a very few milliamps. Anything approaching 200 MA or more is too much- - - -replace the alternator!

BTW, don't try to measure charging current with a digital meter- - - -most of them have a 10-amp maximum capacity and most alternators can go to 50 amps or more right after startup. You'll blow an internal fuse in the meter!
Jerry


Last edited by Hotrod Lincoln; 03/08/2014 5:07 PM.

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