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Generator Current Output Test

  1. Ensure battery is charged and in good condition. Turn all accessories and vehicle lighting off. Start engine and allow it to reach operating temperature. Turn ignition off.
    CAUTION: Ensure carbon pile is in OFF position before connecting leads.
  2. Using a 0-150 amp DC inductive ammeter, connect ammeter pick-up to positive battery cable. Using a voltmeter (0-18 volts), connect negative voltmeter lead to negative battery terminal. Connect positive voltmeter lead to positive battery terminal. Connect a carbon pile rheostat between battery terminals.
    NOTE: Connecting jumper wire to generator field will set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). Clear DTC after completing test.
  3. Connect one end of jumper wire to ground and other end to generator field control terminal (Dark Green wire) on rear of generator. See Figure. Connect negative battery cable.
    CAUTION: To prevent damage to test equipment, DO NOT  apply carbon pile rheostat load for more than 15 seconds. DO NOT  allow voltage to read greater than 16 volts.
  4. Start engine. Allow engine to idle. Adjust engine speed and carbon pile in small increments until engine speed is 1250 RPM and voltmeter reads 15 volts. Record ammeter reading. Amperage should meet MINIMUM TEST AMPS specification. See GENERATOR SPECIFICATIONS .
  5. If amperage is not as specified, replace generator. Remove all test equipment. Clear DTCs. See CLEARING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES  under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.