Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Generator Testing

GENERATOR ON-VEHICLE TESTS

CAUTION:
- To prevent damage to the generator, do not make jumper wire connections except as directed.
- Do not allow any metal object to come in contact with the housing and the internal diode cooling fins with key on or off. A short circuit will result and burn out the diodes.


NOTE: Battery posts and cable clamps must be clean and tight for accurate meter indications.

1. Turn off all lamps and electrical components.
2. Place the vehicle in transmission range NEUTRAL and apply the parking brake.
3. Carry out the Load Test and No Load Test according to the following component tests:

Generator On-Vehicle Tests - Load Test
1. Switch the tester to the ammeter function.
2. Connect the positive and negative leads of the tester to the corresponding battery terminals.
3. Connect the current probe to the generator B+ output terminal, circuit 38 (BK/OG).







4. With the engine running at 2,000 rpm, adjust the tester load bank to determine the output of the generator. Generator output should be greater than the applicable graphs shown. If not, refer back to the pinpoint test or to the Symptom Chart. Pinpoint Tests Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

Generator On-Vehicle Tests - No Load Test
1. Switch the tester to the voltmeter function.
2. Connect the voltmeter positive lead to the generator B+ terminal and the negative lead to ground.
3. Turn all electrical accessories off.
4. With the engine running at 2,000 rpm, check the generator output voltage. The voltage should be between 13.0 and 15.0 volts. If not, refer back to the pinpoint test or to the Symptom Chart. Pinpoint Tests Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures
5. Turn the A/C on, the blower motor on high speed and the headlamps on high beam.
6. The voltage should increase a minimum of 0.5 volt above the base voltage.
- If the voltage does not increase as specified, refer back to the pinpoint test or to the Symptom Chart. Pinpoint Tests Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures
- If the voltage increases as specified, the charging system is operating normally.