Note: This test determines if the output of the generator is within the nominal value.
1. Before starting to test the generator output current, always carry out minor tests.
A) Generator installation.
b) Rechargeable battery.
Note: The battery should be slightly discharged. The load generated by a fully charged battery is not suitable for accurate bath testing.
V) Alternator drive belt tension.
G) Fuses.
d) Absence of extraneous noise during the operation of the generator.
2. Turn off the ignition (key position "OFF").
3. Disconnect a wire from the negative plug of the storage battery.
4. Disconnect the wire from the terminal "IN" alternator and connect ammeter (DC with measuring range 0-100 A) in series between output "IN" and a wire disconnected from the generator. (Connect wire "pluses" ammeter to output "IN" generator and then wire "minus" ammeter to the wire disconnected from the generator.)
Attention: Do not use clips (type "crocodile") when connected to an electrical circuit. Tighten the connections with bolts and nuts. Otherwise, if the connection is bad (when using clamps of the type "crocodile") a serious malfunction or even an accident caused by high current may occur.
Note: It is recommended to use an ammeter with an inductive type sensor ("current clamp"), which allows you to measure the current without disconnecting the wire from the output "IN" generator.
5. Connect the wire first "pluses" voltmeter (with measuring scale 0-20 V) to the conclusion "IN" generator, and then connect the wire "minus" voltmeter to "mass".
6. Connect a tachometer.
7. Connect the wire disconnected earlier to the negative plug of the storage battery.
8. Leave the hood open.
9. Check that the voltage shown by the voltmeter is equal to the battery voltage.
Note: If the voltmeter reads 0 V, then an open circuit is likely the cause (including fusible insert) between output "IN" alternator and positive battery terminal.
10. Turn on the headlights with the outdoor lighting switch, and then start the engine.
11. Immediately after turning on the high beam headlights and turning on the heater fan at maximum speed, increase the engine speed to 2500 rpm and read the maximum value of the generator output current (indicated by an ammeter).
Maximum allowable value - 70% of the rated output current
Note:
- The rated output current is specified in "Generator Specifications".
- Since after starting the engine, the current generated by the battery drops rapidly, the procedure for paragraph "11" must be performed as quickly as possible in order to have time to measure the maximum value of the recoil current.
- The value of the recoil current will depend on the electrical load and the temperature of the generator case.
- If during the test the electrical load is small, then the specified value of the generator output current will not be reached, despite the fact that the generator is in good condition.
- In such cases, to increase the electrical load (in order to discharge the battery) turn on the high beam headlights for a while or connect the exterior lighting electrical system of another vehicle, then recheck.
- The indicated value of the generator output current cannot be obtained also as a result of overheating of the generator case or too high ambient temperature. In such cases, let the generator cool down and recheck.
12. The reading of the ammeter must be above the maximum allowable value. If the ammeter reading is below the limit value, and the output circuit "IN" generator is serviceable, then remove the generator from the car and check it on the stand.
13. After checking, let the engine idle.
14. Turn off the ignition (key position "OFF" (OFF)).
15. Disconnect a wire from the negative plug of the storage battery.
16. Disconnect the ammeter, voltmeter and tachometer.
17. Connect the standard wire to the output "IN" generator.
18. Connect a wire to the negative plug of the storage battery.