excitor wire or alternator?
 

can you test a exciter wire with a test light? I had a multimeter but cant find it now. Id hate to go get a new alternator if it turns out to be a wire problem. could it be an alternator if its pretty new?

EVEN new babies die

yes you can test the exciter wire ( it should be hot with key on)
most parts stores can test the alternator and let you know if it is bad

Yes you can use a multimeter set the range to DC should be 0-20V touch the black lead a ground touch the red lead to the exciter wire, multimeter should indicate+12Vish. Provided you have power at the wire test it to the battery first to verify the multimeter is working right.

I found my multimeter and measured the volts at the exciter wire it was at 6.6 volts but it was low because the battery was low. So after i re did the wire i took out the alternator and brought it up to autozone and had them test it and it failed every test. I got the last one 6 months ago and i got the warranty. I walked in and walked out with out spending any money. I put the alternator in and now everything is running good again. I thought it was the exciter wire because ive had problems with it before.thanks for the help.

Good to hear. I bought one from advance in December and had to replace it 2 months ago only 1K miles on it, warranty covered it. Only mines a lot easier to get to now since its relocated.

Auto Zone can test an alternator out of the car?

Yes sir.

where have you been?

In a cave.

I knew they could test components installed, I've had it done. But I didn't know they had the setup to test the alternator alone...This is good because I can take them this;

http://www.ifab.us/pics/DSC_6547.jpg

needs the pulley before they can test it

make sure you tell them what setup it is

they have a drawer FULL of pigtails, and can NEVER seem to find the right one.

might have to ask a few of them before one of them understands how to test a one wire set up.