OUTPUT CURRENT TEST

Alternator installation
Battery (Refer to GROUP 54A - Battery - On-Vehicle Service - Battery Test .)

note The battery should be slightly discharged. The load needed by a fully-charged battery is insufficient for an accurate test.
Drive belt tension
(Refer to GROUP 11A - On-Vehicle Service - Alternator and Power Steering Oil Pump Drive Belt Tension Check and Adjustment .)
Fusible link
Abnormal noise from the alternator while the engine is running.

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caution

Never use clips but tighten bolts and nuts to connect the line. Otherwise loose connections (e.g. using clips) will lead to a serious accident because of high current.

note

The way of disconnecting the alternator output wire and of connecting the ammeter is possibly not found the problem that the output current is dropping due to the insufficient connection between terminal "B" and the output wire.

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note

If the voltage is 0 V, the cause is probably an open circuit in the wire or fusible link between the alternator "B" terminal and the battery (+) terminal.

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Limit: 70% of normal current output

note

For the nominal current output, refer to the Alternator Specifications.
Because the current from the battery will soon drop after the engine is started, the above step should be carried out as quickly as possible in order to obtain the maximum current output value.
The current output value will depend on the electrical load and the temperature of the alternator body.
If the electrical load is small while testing, the specified level of current may not be output even though the alternator is normal. In such cases, increase the electrical load by leaving the headlamps turned on for some time to discharge the battery or by using the lighting system in another vehicle, and then test again.
The specified level of current also may not be output if the temperature of the alternator body or the ambient temperature is too high. In such cases, cool the alternator and then test again.

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