GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Perform the charging system message and the code diagnosis. Is a message or code present?

--

Go to Section 8A

Go to Step 2

2

Check the connections at the battery and the generator. Was a poor connection found?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 3

3

Is the battery fully charged?

12 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

  1. Turn all the electrical loads off.
  2. Connect the volt meter to the generator output.
  3. Run the engine at 2500  RPM for 30 seconds.
  4. Check the voltage output.

Is the voltage output at the specified value?

14 V*

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

5

  1. Connect the inductive ammeter to the battery charging cable from the generator at the underhood junction block.
  2. Connect the carbon pile (VAT 40) across the battery.
  3. Run the engine at 2500 RPM.
  4. Adjust the carbon pile in order to obtain the maximum output from the generator.

Is the output is within 15 amps of the rated output?

124 A

System OK

Go to Step 8

6

Repair the connector as required.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 3

--

7

Charge the battery. Refer to Battery Charging .

Is the battery fully charged?

Go to Step 4

--

8

Replace the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

System OK

--

* Cold engine temperature voltage 14.0 - 16.0. The voltage should be between 13.0 and 15.0 when the engine is at the operating temperature.