Charging System Check Charging System Check

Tools Required

Using the Digital Multimeter:

Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Negative Battery Cable Removal in Battery Cable Replacement .
2. Connect an ammeter in series between the BAT terminal of the generator and the output lead.
3. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Negative Battery Cable Installation in Battery Cable Replacement .
4. Start the engine.
5. Turn ON the following components:

•

The radio

•	The windshield wipers

•	The headlamps (high beam)

•	The blower motor (high speed)




6. Connect a carbon pile across the battery.
7. Operate the engine at 2500 RPM.

Important: Residual magnetism in the rotor causes the initial voltage buildup. Increase the engine speed as necessary in order to obtain the maximum current output.

8. Adjust the carbon pile as necessary in order to obtain the maximum current output.
9. If the ampere output is within 10 amperes of the rated output stamped on the generator frame, the generator functions properly.
10. If the ampere output is not within 10 amperes of the rated output stamped on the generator frame, repair the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement .

Using the Inductive Current Clamp:

1. Install the J 35590 .
2. Start the engine.
3. Turn ON the following components:

•

The radio

•	The windshield wipers

•	The headlamps (high beam)

•	The blower motor (high speed)




4. Connect a carbon pile across the battery.
5. Operate the engine at 2500 RPM.

Important: Residual magnetism in the rotor causes the initial voltage buildup. Increase the engine speed as necessary in order to obtain the maximum current output.

6. Adjust the carbon pile as necessary in order to obtain the maximum current output.
7. If the ampere output is within 10 amperes of the rated output stamped on the generator frame, the generator functions properly.
8. If the ampere output is not within 10 amperes of the rated output stamped on the generator frame, repair the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement .

Charging System Check Battery Testing

Tools Required

Perform the following procedures in order to test batteries.

1. Inspect for obvious damage that may permit the loss of electrolyte.

A cracked or broken battery case is an example of the above damage.

2. Determine the cause of the damage.
3. Correct the damage as necessary.

If no obvious damage exists, proceed to the Hydrometer Inspection.

1. Inspect for green dot visibility (1).

If the green dot is visible (1), proceed to Battery Load Testing.

2. Inspect for darkness (2). (The green dot is not visible.)

If the hydrometer is dark (2), charge the battery. Refer to Battery Charging . Proceed to Battery Load Testing.

3. Inspect for a clear or yellow color (3).

If a clear or yellow color exists (3), replace the battery.

1. Use battery side terminal adapters in order to ensure a proper connection during battery load testing.
2. Inspect the battery in order to ensure that the battery is not frozen.

If the battery is frozen do not load test the battery. Replace the battery.

3. Turn all of the electrical loads off.
4. Use the J 39200 in order to measure the voltage across the battery terminals.

When the green dot appears in the hydrometer, the voltage should equal or exceed 12 volts. Replace the battery if the voltage is less than 12 volts, unless the battery has just been discharged (such as by load testing or cranking the engine).

5. With the J 39200 attached, connect a battery load tester across the battery terminals.

Important: Do not perform this step if the battery has not been recently charged.

6. Apply a 300 ampere load for 15 seconds to the battery in order to remove the surface charge from the battery.
7. Wait 15 seconds in order to allow the battery to recover.



8. Apply the specified amperage load to the battery. The battery specification label determines the appropriate voltage.
9. Load the battery for 15 seconds. Read the voltage and remove the load.
10. If the voltage remains above the minimum value, the battery is good and should be returned to service. Refer to Battery Temperature and Minimum Voltage in General Specifications . Estimate the battery temperature by feel, and the temperature that the battery has been exposed to for the preceding few hours.
11. Replace the battery if the voltage drops below the listed minimum value.