how can i check my alternator on a 2006 dodge stratus

with a voltmeter, check the voltage at the main stud coming out of the alternator and a ground location (the bracket will do)....you should get a regulated 13.5-14.5 volts....just the battery alone should have 12.5 volts without the alternator~

First make sure you have voltage at large wire at alt. and it is tight.If its ok,disconnect connector from back of alt. start vehc. take test light and hook leed to neg. side of battery. ck. for power at one of the wires in connector. if ok, hook leed to positive side of batt. ck other wire in connector. light should light up. if all tests ok. alt. is bad

One of the ways to check and see if alternator is bad, is to get your car running you will probably have to jump start your car, and the when started, disconnect one of he cables to the battery. The car will Die when cable is disconnected. If the alternator was producing power, then the car would continue to run. The battery just stores the power that the alternator makes for accessories, and electronics, like lights and radio, etc. and then the starter when needed to start the car, and to keep car running. So if the alternator is not charging the battery, it will not continue to operate all the accessories or produce the spark to keep the car running and then will die when the power in the battery has been drained.

Hell no to the above answer!!! DO NOT disconnect the battery while the engine is running unless you want to kill the ECU.