Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Manuals through 2025 now available!

Our trusted friends have launched a new website named LEMON, which has newer manuals. It also contains all the CHARM manuals.

LEMON is the spiritual successor to CHARM, I recommend you try it!

Link: lemon-manuals.la or lemon-manuals.org.ua

(Some people have issue connecting. LEMON is investigating. For now, use Firefox or change your DNS server)

Or, hide this message: temporarily or permanently

Generator On Vehicle Testing

GENERATOR ON VEHICLE TESTING

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the generator, do not make jumper wire connections except as directed.

CAUTION: 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 N (Neutral) and apply the parking brake.
3. Perform the following component tests:

Load Test

1. Switch the battery tester to the ammeter function.
2. Connect the positive and negative leads of the battery tester to the corresponding battery terminals.
3. Connect the current probe to the generator B+ output lead (B/O) wire.
4. With the engine running at 2000 rpm, adjust the battery tester load bank to determine the output of the generator. See CHARGING SYSTEM COMPONENT TESTS.

No Load Test

1. Switch the battery 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 2000 rpm, check the generator output voltage. The voltage should be between 13.0 and 15.0 volts. If not, see CHARGING SYSTEM COMPONENT TESTS.