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Current Output Test

  1. Ensure battery is charged. Turn ignition off. Disconnect negative battery cable. Connect a 0-150 DC ammeter and a voltmeter (0-18 volts) to vehicle charging system. SeeFig 2.
  2. Connect a carbon pile rheostat between battery terminals. Ensure carbon pile is in OFF position before connecting leads.
  3. Connect one end of jumper wire to ground and other end to alternator field terminal Dark Green wire (Tan/Black wire on Wrangler) on rear side of alternator. See Fig 1. Connect negative battery cable.
    CAUTION: Alternator has 2 field terminals. DO NOT  connect jumper wire to alternator field terminal Dark Green/Red wire (Dark Green/Black wire on Wrangler).
  4. Start engine and reduce engine speed to idle. Adjust carbon pile and engine speed until engine speed is 1250 RPM and voltmeter reads 15 volts. DO NOT  allow voltage to read more than 16 volts.
  5. Ammeter should read within 10 amps of rating listed on back of the alternator. If reading is not as specified, replace alternator. Remove all test equipment.
    Fig 1: Identifying Alternator Terminals
    G117001Courtesy of CHRYSLER MOTORS.
    Fig 2: Testing Alternator Current Output
    G117003Courtesy of CHRYSLER MOTORS.
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