1. If the alternator is not charging the battery, check first that the drive belt is intact and in good condition and properly tensioned (Section 2). Also check the condition and security of the alternator electrical connections and battery wiring.
2. Accurate diagnosis of generator performance requires special equipment and qualifications. For a rough, preliminary estimate, use a voltmeter (range 0 to 15 or 0 to 20 volts) in the following way.
3. Connect a voltmeter parallel to the battery terminals. Turn on the headlights and check the voltmeter reading: it should be between 12 and 13 volts.
4. Start the engine and let it run at fast idle (approximately 1500 rpm). The voltmeter should show 13-14 V.
5. Then, without reducing the engine speed, turn on the maximum number of electricity consumers (rear window heating, heater blower, etc.). The voltage should be maintained at 13-14 V. If necessary, slightly increase the engine speed to keep the voltage.
6. If the generator output voltage drops significantly or even becomes zero, check the brushes. If the brushes are in good condition, contact a specialist.
7. Sometimes a situation may arise when the output voltage of the generator is excessively high. A characteristic feature of this is the constant burnout of the lamps; a significant difference in the brightness of the lights, changing with the engine speed; overheating of the generator and battery, possibly with the formation of fumes. This is almost always due to a defective voltage regulator.
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