Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

WARNING:
^ BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. ALSO, SHIELD YOUR EYES WHEN WORKING NEAR BATTERIES TO PROTECT AGAINST POSSIBLE SPLASHING OF THE ACID SOLUTION. IN CASE OF ACID CONTACT WITH SKIN OR EYES, FLUSH IMMEDIATELY WITH WATER FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES AND GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION. IF ACID IS SWALLOWED, CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.
^ BATTERIES NORMALLY PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE GASES WHICH CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY. THEREFORE, DO NOT ALLOW FLAMES, SPARKS OR LIGHTED SUBSTANCES TO COME NEAR THE BATTERY. WHEN CHARGING OR WORKING NEAR A BATTERY, ALWAYS SHIELD YOUR FACE AND PROTECT YOUR EYES. ALWAYS PROVIDE VENTILATION.
^ WHEN LIFTING A PLASTIC-CASED BATTERY, EXCESSIVE PRESSURE ON THE END WALLS COULD CAUSE ACID TO SPEW THROUGH THE VENT CAPS RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY, DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR TO THE BATTERY. LIFT WITH A BATTERY CARRIER OR WITH YOUR HANDS ON OPPOSITE CORNERS.

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the engine to duplicate the concern.
2. Inspect the charging system to determine if any obvious mechanical or electrical concerns exist. If found, repair as necessary and test the system for normal operation Refer to tables:







VISUAL INSPECTION CHART

3. Check the operation of the charging system warning indicator lamp (instrument cluster). Normal operation is as follows:
^ With the ignition switch OFF, the charging system warning indicator should be OFF.
^ With the ignition switch in RUN and the engine off, the charging system warning indicator light should be on.
^ With the engine running, the charging system warning indicator light should be off.

4. Verify the battery condition. Refer to Battery.

Normal Charging System Voltages And Charging System Warning Indicator Operation:

NORMAL CHARGING SYSTEM VOLTAGES AND CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR OPERATION

5. If the customer concern is verified after the initial inspection, refer to the Symptom Chart to determine which tests to carry out. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures