Flow of Diagnosis

WARNING
^ BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. ALSO, SHIELD YOUR EYES WHEN WORKING NEAR BATTERIES TO PROTECT AGAINST POSSIBLE SPLASHING OF THE ACID SOLUTION. IN CASE OF ACID CONTACT WITH SKIN OR EYES, FLUSH IMMEDIATELY WITH WATER FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES AND GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION. IF ACID IS SWALLOWED, CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.
^ BATTERIES NORMALLY PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE GASES WHICH CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY. THEREFORE, DO NOT ALLOW FLAMES, SPARKS, OR LIGHTED SUBSTANCES TO COME NEAR THE BATTERY. WHEN CHARGING OR WORKING NEAR A BATTERY, ALWAYS SHIELD YOUR FACE AND PROTECT YOUR EYES, ALWAYS PROVIDE VENTILATION.
^ WHEN LIFTING A PLASTIC-CASED BATTERY, EXCESSIVE PRESSURE ON THE END WALLS COULD CAUSE ACID TO SPEW THROUGH THE VENT CAPS RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR TO THE BATTERY. LIFT WITH A BATTERY CARRIER OR WITH YOUR HANDS ON OPPOSITE CORNERS.

NOTE: Before performing charging system tests on the vehicle, note the concern (such as slow cranking, battery discharged, indicator lamp on). This information will aid in isolating the part of the system causing the symptom.

Test for current drain. Drain Testing
These are some of the most common current drain problems:
^ Glove compartment lamp stays on with the door closed (if equipped).
^ Hood lamp stays on continuously.
^ Interior lamp stays on continuously.
^ Electronic component malfunctions.

Isolating the Concern
Isolate the battery, the charging system, and the electrical circuits to correctly identify the area of difficulty.

Battery Check
Check the battery to see if it can accept and hold a charge; refer to Capacity Testing Component Test. Battery Capacity Test
If the battery is good, then the charging system should be checked to make sure it can keep the battery charged.

The Battery Capacity Test will determine the ability of a battery to accept and hold a charge. If the battery cannot meet the specifications, replace it with a new fully charged battery before further diagnosis of other areas of the electrical system.

Generator Check
Check the Generator (GEN) to see if it is producing the proper output current and voltage; refer to Generator On-Vehicle Tests. Generator On-Vehicle Tests

If the generator does not meet specifications, refer to the Symptom Chart to determine the correct test procedure for troubleshooting the charging system. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the battery charging system.
2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage:
Mechanical
^ Battery
^ Generator drive belt
^ Generator pulley

Electrical
^ Battery charge
^ Fuse and fuse links
^ Electrical connectors
^ Electrical connections
^ Battery charge warning indicator
^ Other electrical systems malfunctions

3. If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom and proceed to the Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures