# Is The Alternator Working? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** legacy, subaru, alternators\ **Created:** [January 21, 2010, 9:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-the-alternator-working/42966 "2010-01-21T21:24:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Need\_A\_Horse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f6c823/32.png) [@Need\_A\_Horse](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Need_A_Horse)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 9:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-the-alternator-working/42966/1 "2010-01-21T21:24:25Z")
Assuming you can get the car started with your own battery or with a jump, what is a quick method to check the alternator with no test gear. Seems like alternators are always getting mixed into battery problems. I’d like a quick check idea to remember. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 9:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-the-alternator-working/42966/2 "2010-01-21T21:28:33Z")
At least you need a volt meter. ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 9:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-the-alternator-working/42966/3 "2010-01-21T21:45:07Z")
At night, before you start the car, shine the headlights on a wall in front of the car. While you observe the lights, start the engine. After the engine starts, the intensity of the light should be noticeably brighter…Also, when you are cranking, you can expect the light to dim somewhat, but not be pulled WAY down…That’s a sure sign of a weak battery… All cars have a “Batt” or “ALT” warning light…That should give you a hint something is amiss…