Alternator or Battery? which is it?

My battery finally died tonight. So I got it jumped and drove to
autozone. I replaced my battery easily by my self. They were 5 min from
closing so I just made it. My question is .How do I know that its JUST
my battery and not my alternator? Also how long do Honda alternators
last? My battery was at least 5 years old, maybe more? My Mom used to
own the car she said she couldnt remember exact date she bought the
battery. Is there a way to TEST the alternator to see if its still good,
without removing it from car?

 

back in the old days you could remove a cable from the battery while
the car was running. if it died, the alternator was bad. don't know
if you can use the same process for a new car.

bob z.

 

Try the five quick and dirty checks listed at
http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id13.html

What year and model of Honda? How many miles on it?

 

Item number 3 should say, battery voltage should NOT drop below ..........

 

The AutoZone's around where I live will do a free test for you. Go back with
your receipt and ask them to hook her up to their meter.

 

Almost all auto parts stores will do a free test on your charging
system. What state are you in?

 

Adding loads is supposed to drop the voltage from the
generator. When test 3 is taken with the other tests, they
offer insight. The wording is as I intended.

 

It's risky now. Solid state stuff like the ECU and transmission controller
and radio might take it the wrong way. It has been done with no bad effects
but it's an awful chance to take.

A voltmeter is quicker and more comprehensive anyway.

Mike

 

Oops my bad I left out what car I have. Its a 1993 Honda Del Sol Si w/
65K miles. I'll go back to AUTOZONE and see if they can test alternator.
Can they test it while its in the car?

 

I googled this link.

http://www.misterfixit.com/alterntr.htm

 

Yes they will test your cars charging system on the car.