Service manual

8-78
CHARGING SYSTEM - Service Adiustment Procedures
80A
n
Relay with diode
Voltmeter
Ammeter
Iad
176
OUTPUT CURRENT TEST
This test judges whether or not the alternator gives an output
current that is equivalent to the nominal output.
Preparation
(1) Prior to the test, check the following items and correct as
necessary.
(a) Check the battery installed in the vehicle to ensure that it
is in sound state*. The battery checking method is de-
scribed in “BATTERY”.
NOTE
*The battery that is used to test the output current should
be one that has been rather discharged. With a fully
charged battery, the test may not be conducted correctly
due to an insufficient load.
(b) Check tension of the alternator drive belt. The belt tension
check method is described in “GROUP 7 COOLING -
Service Adjustment Procedures”.
(2) Turn off the ignition switch.
(3) Disconnect the battery ground cable.
(4) Disconnect the alternator output wire from the alternator “B”
terminal.
(5) Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 100 A) in series between the “B”
terminal and the disconnected output wire. Connect the (+)
lead of the ammeter to the “B” terminal and connect the (-)
lead wire to the disconnected output wire.
NOTE
Tighten each connection by bolt and nut securely as a heavy
current will flow. Do not relay on clips.
(6) Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20 V) between the “B” terminal and
ground. Connect the (+) lead wire to the alternator “B” ter-
minal and (-) lead wire to a sound ground.
(7) Set the engine tachometer and connect the battery ground
cable.
(8) Leave the engine hood open.
Test
(1) Check to see that the voltmeter reads the same value as the
battery voltage.
If the voltmeter reads 0 V, an open circuit in the wire between
the alternator “B” terminal and battery (-) terminal, a blown
fusible link or poor grounding is suspected.
(2) Turn on the headlight switch and start the engine.
(3) Set the headlight at high beam and the heater blower switch
at HIGH, quickly increase the engine speed to 2500 rpm and
read the maximum output current value indicated by the am-
meter.
NOTE
After the engine start up, the charging current quickly drops.
therefore, above operation must be done quickly to read max-
imum current value correctly.
[ STB Revision
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