Troubleshooting Hints

When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, battery potential will register on the voltmeter. During engine cranking a lower voltage will appear on the meter. With the engine running, a voltage reading higher than the first reading (ignition in ON) should register.
The following are possible symptoms of a charging system fault:
- The voltmeter does not operate properly
- An undercharged or overcharged battery condition occurs.

Remember that an undercharged battery is often caused by:
- Accessories being left on with the engine not running
- A faulty or improperly adjusted switch that allows a lamp to stay on. See Ignition-Off Draw Test/Battery/Testing and Inspection.
- Inspect for a blown fusible link in the All circuit between the generator and the starter motor.