Electrical problem, please help!

[toastyghost]

The battery light came on yesterday so this morning I went out and got a new battery. After installing it the engine starts more crisply and runs cooler than it did but the battery light is still on. This looks like the same shit that happened in my Z34 when the alternator was dead. I looked in the Haynes manual under alternator and all it has is removal and installation instructions, with nothing about how to check to see if you need to replace it. Does anyone know how to check the alternator to see if you need a new one?

[netfreak]

Take it to a shop. They can check the voltage it outputs. That's how I found out mine needed replacing.

But if anyone knows how to check it with home tools, please post

[dj99]

With a voltmeter, check your battery voltage with the car off. It should be around 12.5V. When the car is on (alternator charging) it should read 14.5 or so.

[toastyghost]

Now to find a voltmeter... :) Thanks.