Alternator: Testing and Inspection

System Inspection
1. Verify that the battery is fully charged.
- Charge if necessary.

2. Verify that the drive belt tension is within the specification.
- Adjust if necessary.




3. Turn the ignition switch to ON and verify that the generator warning light illuminates.
- If not, inspect the generator warning light and wiring harness between battery and generator warning light and generator.

4. Turn the ignition switch to START and verify that the generator warning light goes out after engine starts.
- If the light stays on, turn off all electrical loads.




5. Measure the voltage at terminal L using a voltmeter.
- If not as specified, replace the generator.
- If normal, inspect short circuit in the wiring harness between terminal L and generator warning light.

Specification:
- Ignition switch ON: Approx. 1 V
- Idle: 13.0 - 14.0 V

On-Vehicle Inspection
1. Verify that the drive belt tension is within the specification.
- Adjust if necessary.

2. Turn the ignition switch to START and verify that the generator turns smoothly without any noise while the engine running.

Standard Voltage:

3. Measure the voltage at the terminals as indicated in the table using a voltmeter.

Standard Current (Reference):

4. Measure the current at terminal B as indicated in the table using an ammeter.
- If not as specified, replace the generator.

NOTE:
- The values are measured with the battery fully charged.
- As the battery discharges, the current becomes greater.
- When the measuring condition is "electrical load ON", turn all the following electrical systems on.
1. Headlight (high beam)
2. A/C (max.)
3. Brake light
4. Cooling fan
5. Condenser fan