- A) Make sure that the wire clamps on the battery terminals are clean and secure.
- b) Check Battery Status (see paragraph 3). If it fails all tests, replace it.
- V) Check the external wiring and generator connections.
- G) Check the condition and tension of the drive belt (see chapter 1)
- d) Check the tightness of the alternator mounting bolts
- e) Start the engine and check for unusual noise coming from the generator.
- and) Check fusible link (see chapter 12). If it is burned out, find out the cause and repair the electrical circuit.
- h) Check the charging system warning light on the instrument panel. It should light up when the ignition key is turned to the on position (engine not running). If it does not light, check the electrical circuit between the generator and the control lamp (see «Electrical circuits» at the end of chapter 12).
- And) Check the fuses that are located in series with the electrical circuit of the charging system (see «Electrical circuits» at the end of chapter 12).
2. With the ignition off, check the battery voltage with the power consumers off. It should be approximately in the range of 12.5-12.9 V (pic. 3.2). If the engine has been running for the last hour, it may be slightly higher.
3. Connect the ammeter to the charging system following the instrument manufacturer's instructions. Start the engine and check the battery voltage and current. The reading should now be around 13.2-14.8V (pic. 9.3).
Pic. 9.3. To check the charging voltage, connect a voltmeter to the battery terminals and check the battery voltage with the engine running
4. Load the battery. To do this, turn on the high beam headlights and the air conditioning system and set the blower fan speed to maximum. Raise the engine speed to 2000 rpm and check the voltage and current. If the charging system is working properly, the voltage should stay above 13.5V and the current should be at least 30A (and depending on the condition of the battery, it can be less than 30 A).
5. If the voltage rises above 15.0 V when performing any test, the voltage regulator is faulty.
6. If the voltage reading is less than the prescribed charging voltage, the alternator is probably defective. Have the charging system checked by the dealer's service department or another person with the appropriate equipment.
Note. Many auto parts stores will test the alternator on a bench after removing it from the vehicle. Ask about this service in the nearest similar store; In many stores, this service is provided free of charge.