Output Line Voltage Drop Test

This test determines whether the wiring from the generator "B" terminal to the battery (+) terminal (including the fusible link) is in a good condition or not.
1. Always be sure to check the following before the test.
- Generator installation
- Generator drive belt tension
- Fusible link
- Abnormal noise from the generator while the engine is running
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Disconnect the generator output wire from the generator "B" terminal and connect a DC test ammeter with a range of 0 - 100 A in series between the "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. (Connect the (+) lead of the ammeter to the "B" terminal, and then connect the (-) lead of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire.)

NOTE: An inductive-type ammeter which enables measurements to be taken without disconnecting the generator output wire is recommended.
Using this equipment will lessen the possibility of a voltage drop caused by a loose "B" terminal connection.

5. Connect a digital-type voltmeter between the generator "B" terminal and the battery (+) terminal. (Connect the (+) lead of the voltmeter to the "B" terminal, and then connect the (-) lead of the voltmeter to the battery (+) cable.)
6 Reconnect the negative battery cable.
7 Leave the hood open.
8 With the engine running at approx. 2500 r/min, turn the headlights and other lights on and off to adjust the generator load on the ammeter slightly above 30 A.
Decrease the engine speed gradually until the value displayed on the ammeter is 30 A. Take a reading of the value displayed on the voltmeter at this time.
Limit value: max. 0.5 V

NOTE: If the generator output is high and the value displayed on the ammeter does not decrease to 30 A, set the value to 40 A and read the value displayed on the voltmeter. In this case, limit value is max. 0.7 V.

9 If the value displayed on the voltmeter is still above the limit value, a malfunction in the generator output wire may exist. Check the wiring between the generator "B" terminal and the battery (+) terminal (including fusible link).
If a terminal is not sufficiently tight or if the harness has become discolored due to over- heating, repair, then test again.
10 After the test, run the engine at idle.
11 Turn off all lights and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
12 Disconnect the negative battery cable.
13 Disconnect the ammeter and voltmeter.
14 Connect the generator output wire to the generator "B" terminal.
15 Connect the negative battery cable.