Output Current Test

NOTE: Ensure battery is fully charged and load tested before testing. Verify drive belt tension is correct, electrical wiring, connectors and generator installation connections are in good condition and battery terminals are clean and tight. Inspect all fuses in both the engine compartment fuse box and the passenger compartment fuse box.

NOTE: For the following test, battery should be slightly discharged. Load needed by a fully charged battery is insufficient for an accurate test. Ensure generator is cool prior to performing the following test.

Ensure ignition is off. Disconnect negative battery cable, see Figure . Disconnect generator output wire from generator "B" terminal. Connect positive lead of ammeter with a range of 0-100 amps, to the "B" terminal and negative lead to disconnected output wire.

NOTE: If voltage reading in the following step is zero volt, cause is probably an open circuit in wire or fusible link between generator "B" terminal and positive battery terminal.

Connect positive lead of voltmeter with a range of 0-20 volts, to the "B" terminal and ground negative lead. Connect negative battery cable. Connect a tachometer or scan tool to vehicle. Leave hood open. Ensure reading on voltmeter is equal to battery voltage.

NOTE: Ensure engine is started and headlights are turned on as quickly as possible in order to obtain the maximum current output value. Battery current will soon drop after engine is started.

Start engine and turn headlights on quickly. Switch headlights to high beam, turn heater blower switch to high, increase engine speed to about 2500 RPM, and read maximum current output displayed on ammeter. Current limit should be 70 percent of nominal (rated) output. For rated output, see SPECIFICATIONS .
Reading on ammeter should be above limit value. If reading is below limit value, and generator output wire is okay, remove and inspect generator.
After test is complete, run engine at idle. Turn ignition off. Disconnect tachometer or scan tool. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove ammeter and voltmeter. Connect generator output wire to generator "B" terminal. Connect negative battery cable.