How do you pick out an alternator ?

I have a Honda Accord 96. My electrician says the alternator has gone bad. Of course I don't wholly agree. How do you really know that the alternator needs changing? Is it ideal to get an alternator that closely matches the amperage of the battery? I've heard of %26quot;power%26quot; alternators that do 150 amps to 170 amps, are they really better? My lights are HID, I also have a sound system with an amplifier but without a subwoofer. Thanks !
How do you pick out an alternator ?
The ONLY way to test an alternator is to have a charging system test performed where a controlled load is applied to the electrical system and the alternator output amperage and voltage is measured. Also have the battery load tested to check it's condition, but the one thing that must be know about a battery test is that the battery must be fully charged or it will fail the test. Get a replacment alternator that is the same as the one that came off of the car.
How do you pick out an alternator ?
have your car running...remove the ( - ) negative cable that is connected to the battery while leaving the positive + plugged in to the battery.If the car stalls then the alternator has gone bad.If it continues to run then it is fine.If you need one then simply know your cars motor information,make,model and year when picking one up.



Do not take car advice from an electrician when it comes to your car! What does his career have to do with cars????



Call a mechanic and ask if maybe you need to replace your battery with one that puts out more cranking amps.
your sound system probably burnt out you alt.,you need to upgrade to higher amp's output alt.some auto parts stores will check your alt. for free
never disconnect the battery cable on a car with electronics when the engine is running. it can cause a power surge when you plug it back up and burn a sensor or computer.
The ONLY way is to get it tested. A cheap test is to get a volt meter and see what the voltage is when running. First, get the voltage of the batter before running. It might be 12-12.5V. With the engine running, it should be between 13.5-14.5V. Most alternators should be at that area when running..... any lower, it might show a problem.



If you don't have an volt meter, go to your local auto parts store. I know that Autozone can test them in the car while Schucks, you have to remove it. Testing is the only way to know.



Alright, I don't know how many amps your current one is. But I do know, the battery plays a big role in electrical accessories. Buy yourself a good HD batter. My suggestion is an Optima battery...a Yellow top. They can take the 'abuse' of a sound system (depending on how BIG it is).



Upgrade alternators are available for just about anything. Usually a good parts place will list higher amp ones in the catalog or comptuer. If not, fine a local shop (small one) that deals with starters and alternators. They'll able to hook you up with what you need.