You can test alternator diodes with an oscilloscope and a coil on plug inductance ignition probe. All you have to do is touch the C.O.P. probe to the back of the alternator and it will display the voltage ripple pattern. I should have inverted the pattern, but it does show a good ripple pattern. There are a few random noise spikes, but they are probably caused by the plug wires running over the alternator. Anyway, it's still impressive being able to test the diodes in about 30 seconds as opposed to unsoldering them and checking with a meter.
Alternator testing in the digital age
- Thread starter skykeith
- Start date
-
You can, but it’s kind of interesting seeing the diodes actually work.
-
