- a) Battery connection cables where they connect to the battery.
- b) electrolyte density.
- c) Check generator external wiring and connections.
- d) Check the condition and tension of the drive belt (see section 1).
- e) Check alternator mounting bolts.
- f) Start the engine and check the generator for noise.
2. Using a voltmeter, check the battery voltage at the V clamp. It should be approximately 12 V.
Location of generator clamps
Warning: When testing the alternator, do not disconnect the L terminal while the engine is running and do not start the engine with the L and R terminals disconnected.
3. To check the charging system, make the connections shown in the figure. With the ignition off, check for voltage between the generator terminal L and ground. If the voltmeter reading is not 0 volts, the alternator is faulty. Turn on the ignition and check the voltage. If the reading is 0 volts, then there is damage to the alternator or wiring. If the voltage is close to the battery voltage (12 volt), short the F clamp and the alternator rear bracket. If the voltage drops, then there is damage in the IC regulator.
Checking generator connections
A - Checking the system; B - Checking the adjustment without load
4. Before checking the no-load adjustment, make sure the battery is fully charged and the ammeter and voltmeter are connected as shown. The voltmeter reading should be 0 V (ignition off).
5. Turn on the ignition, and check that the voltmeter reading is 1-3V lower than the battery voltage. The generator is damaged if the generator voltage is equal to the battery voltage. Clamp the ammeter clamps, start the engine and remove the jumper.
Warning: When starting the engine, make sure that the starter current passes through the ammeter.
6. Increase the engine speed to approximately 2500 rpm and check the voltmeter and ammeter readings. The ammeter should read 5A or less and the voltmeter should read 14.7±0.3V (at 20°C).
7. To check the alternator output, disconnect the negative cable from the battery and connect an ammeter and voltmeter as shown.
Checking the operation of the generator
8. Connect the negative cable to the battery, start the engine and turn on the headlights. Gradually increase engine speed. The system is working properly if the voltmeter shows a voltage higher than the battery voltage.