Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Alternator and Regulator Circuit Troubleshooting

Alternator and Regulator Circuit Troubleshooting

1. Make sure the battery connections are good and the battery is fully charged.




2. Connect a VAT-40 (or equivalent tester), and turn the selector switch to position 1 (starting).
3. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm, with no load until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.

4. Raise the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there.

Is the voltage over 15.1 V?

YES - Replace the alternator or replace the rear housing assembly.

NO - Go to step 5.

5. Release the accelerator pedal, and let the engine idle.
6. Turn off all the accessories. Select the charging test on the tester.
7. Remove the inductive pickup, and zero the ammeter.
8. Place the inductive pickup over the B terminal wire of the alternator so the arrow points away from the alternator.

9. Raise the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there.

Is the voltage less than 13.5 V?

YES - Go to alternator control circuit troubleshooting.

NO - Go to step 10.

10. Apply a load with the VAT-40 until the battery voltage drops to between 12 and 13.5 V.

Is the amperage 60 A or more?

YES - The.charging system is OK.

NOTE: If the charging system indicator is still on, replace the alternator or the rear housing assembly.

NO - Replace the alternator or repair the alternator.