Placing a load across the battery terminals with the engine running is a way to check alternator ____ output.

Placing a load across the battery terminals with the engine running is a way to check the alternator voltage output. This practice helps to ensure that the alternator is functioning properly by assessing whether it can maintain the voltage levels needed to power the vehicle's electrical systems and recharge the battery. When the engine is running, the alternator should provide a voltage typically between 13.5 to 14.5 volts under load. If the voltage drops significantly below this range, it may indicate a fault with the alternator or its charging system. Monitoring voltage output is crucial for vehicle reliability and performance.