Alternator/starter testing device

A device for testing an alternator which has been removed from an automobile, comprising:

• a motor adapted to be temporarily coupled to the alternator for rotating an armature of the alternator as part of a test;
• a test coupling jack, adapted to be electrically connected to a corresponding connector on the alternator, the test coupling jack comprising a battery line connector and a ground line connector, each line connector for connecting to a corresponding circuit in the alternator;
• a power supply for simulating an automobile battery voltage, an output thereof coupled to the battery line connector;
• a meter coupled to the battery line connector for displaying a voltage generated by the alternator in response to the test;
• and
• a switch, coupled to the meter and to the power supply, for temporarily connecting the power supply to the battery line connector and simultaneously disconnecting the meter from the battery line connector.

A device for testing an alternator which has been removed from an automobile, comprising:

• a motor adapted to be temporarily coupled to the alternator for rotating an armature of the alternator as part of a test;
• a test coupling jack, adapted to be electrically connected to a corresponding connector on the alternator, the test coupling jack comprising connectors for coupling to an "internal" type alternator having an internal voltage regulator and to an "external" type alternator which relies on external voltage regulation;
• a power supply for simulating an automobile battery voltage, an output thereof coupled to the test coupling jack;
• an electronic voltage regulator which provides external voltage regulation for "external" type alternators;
• a meter which displays a voltage generated by the alternator in response to the test;
• an internal/external switch, coupled to the electronic voltage regulator and the test coupling jack, the internal/external switch providing a first circuit path which connects the electronic voltage regulator into a testing circuit for "external" type alternators and a second circuit path which disconnects the electronic voltage regulator from the testing circuit for "internal" type alternators;
• and
• a "high draw alternator" switch, coupled to the test coupling jack and the electronic voltage regulator, which provides a first circuit path causing a first voltage drop to be presented to the electronic voltage regulator and a second circuit path causing a greater voltage drop to be presented to the electronic voltage regulator.