test my alternator with a volt meter?

[sheadee240]

How do I test my alternator with a volt meter?

I'v done it before on a motorcycle, but i forget how.

I've heard that, you just start the car and disconnect the negative terminal, but that sounds a little fishy with new computer controlled cars.

I have 1997 240sx, that crapped out on me and Im pretty sure its the alternator, but I need to test it.

Thanks

[QuinGarcia]

You can take your alternator to any parts store and theyll test it for free. But if you want to check it yourself you dont need to disconnect anything, just hook a voltmeter up, black side to the ground post on your battery and the red side to the biggest wire coming off your alternator. the voltage should be up around 14 volts when the car is idling