System Check - Charging System - Valeo A13VI+ (K68)

TOOLS REQUIRED
J 39200 Digital Multimeter or equivalent

To diagnose the Valeo A13VI+ (K68) generator, use the following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting the engine.
2. Using a DMM, measure and record the battery voltage. The charge indicator should be on. If the indicator is not lit, disconnect the generator electrical connector and ground the L terminal in the electrical connector.
^ If the indicator lights, repair or replace the generator.
^ If the indicator does not light, locate and repair open circuit between grounding lead and ignition switch. The charge indicator bulb may be burned out.
3. With ignition switch ON and the engine running, the charge indicator lamp should not be lit. If the lamp is lit, turn the engine OFF and disconnect the 4-way harness connector from the generator. Turn the ignition ON and start the engine.
^ If the charge indicator lamp does not light, repair or replace the generator.
^ If the charge indicator lamp is still lit, check for a grounded L terminal wire in the harness.
4. With the ignition switch ON and the engine not running, connect the DMM from the ground to the generator connector L terminal. This terminal should have battery voltage. If low or zero volts is indicated, high resistance or an open exists in the circuit. Refer to Starting and Charging Schematics. Electrical Diagrams
5. Connect the DMM from the battery negative terminal to the generator output BAT terminal. This reading should also be battery voltage. If low or zero volts is indicated, high resistance or an open exists in the circuit. Refer to Starling and Charging Schematics.
6. Reconnect the wiring harness connector to the generator. Start and run the engine at a moderate speed (above 1000 RPM), with the electrical loads and accessories OFF.
7. Use the DMM to measure the voltage across the battery.
^ If the voltage is above 16 volts, replace the generator.
^ If the voltage is below the battery voltage measured in step 2, inspect the circuit between the generator output terminal and the battery for chafing, corrosion, or breaks. If no problems are found, replace the generator.
8. Disconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure. Service and Repair
9. Disconnect the wiring harness from the generator output BAT terminal.

IMPORTANT: Insulate the ammeter to generator and wiring harness connections to make sure that there is no contact to any exposed metal surfaces that could potentially cause a short.

10. Install an ammeter between the generator output BAT terminal and the engine wiring harness.
11. Reconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure.
12. With the load test OFF, connect a carbon pile load tester across the battery terminals.
13. Start the engine. Run the engine at a moderate speed (2500 RPM).
14. Turn the carbon pile load ON and adjust to the proper load test value. Refer to Generator Usage. Use the DMM to check the voltage across the battery terminals:
^ If the voltage is above 13 volts, the generator is GOOD.
^ If the voltage falls below 13 volts, repair or replace the generator.
^ If the load test value cannot be attained and the voltage falls below 13 volts, repair or replace the generator. (If load test value can not be attained but voltage does not fall below 13 volts, a carbon pile tester problem is indicated. Check for low ampere capacity of test load.)