Can amps/model of alternator be assessed?

Hi.

I'm trying to fit some elec seats/screen in my my M04 Freelander, but need to check first the Alternator is the 150 amp version so I don't kill the battery.

I wanted to ask please if you guys know any way I can test the alternator to see how much juice it's kicking out? Alternatively, if I could just get the model/part number maybe I could see the codes and search online, but it's inaccesible in the engine bay with no visible labels. :doh:

This is the best shot I could get by sticking a camera phone down inside.

It looks like a dead end really, any idea how much I should accept in labour costs to pay for this bit of detective work at a local stealers?

Many thanks as ever.

sealey sell a clip on ammeter, 20 quid or so

make sure it does DC amps and not just AC.

Thanks a lot for the advice, it's very kind of you both to help me.

Maybe something like this? £90 though.

Sealey Tools Voltmeter & Ammeter BT91/5 on eBay (end time 09-Apr-10 17:02:07 BST)

Have you tried looking from underneathe the vehicle, remover the cover. I was under there the other day, I`m pretty sure I saw a label on the alternator. will have a look again today, as my cover is still off.

Don't buy an ammeter to test this - the rating is a peak output not what it will be producing in normal operation.

Type is usually on the black plastic at the back - it might be moulded in.

Looking at replacements - are you sure 150A is required?

The two types I see available are 90A and 105A which looks like it might just be a typo. The larger model is if your vehicle has air-con.

Personally I'd not worry - you're not going to kill the battery unless you turn everything on. Just don't combine heated screen with headlights, fogs and a trailer.