Verify the following conditions before performing the diagnostic
procedures on the vehicle:
| • | The system wiring is in the proper condition. |
| • | The generator belt is not slipping. |
Notice: To avoid damaging the vehicle's electrical system, observe the following
precautions:
| • | Do not polarize the generator. |
| • | Do not short across or ground any of the terminals in the charging
circuit, except as specifically instructed herein. |
| • | NEVER operate the generator with the output terminal open-circuited. |
| • | Make sure the generator and battery have the same ground polarity. |
| • | When a connecting charger or booster battery to the vehicle's
battery, connect the negative to negative and the positive to positive. |
Faulty operation of the charging system will appear as one or more of
the following conditions:
| • | Unusual operation of the charging indicator lamp on vehicles without
gauges |
| • | An undercharged battery |
| | Slow cranking or a dark battery hydrometer indicates an undercharged
battery. Refer to
Battery Charging
. |
| | Excessive gassing of electrolyted from the battery vents indicates an
overcharged battery. Refer to
Battery Charging
. |
