On-Vehicle Inspection
- CHECK BATTERY CONDITION
- Check the battery for damage and deformation. If a remarkable damage, deformation or leakage is found, replace the battery.
- Check the electrolyte quantity of each cell.
For batteries that are maintenance-free:
If the electrolyte quantity is below the recommended amount, replace the battery.
For batteries that are not maintenance-free:
If the electrolyte quantity is below the recommended amount, add distilled water.
- CHECK BATTERY TERMINALS, FUSIBLE LINK AND FUSES
- Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
If the terminals are corroded, clean the terminals.
- Check the fusible link, H-fuses and fuses for resistance of below 1Ω.
If the fusible link or fuses are not as specified, replace as necessary.
- Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
- INSPECT DRIVE BELT
- Check the belt for wear, cracks and other signs of damage.
If any defect is found, replace the drive belt.
HINT:
Replace the drive belt if the following defects are found:
- If the belt has worn out until the wire can be seen.
- If the cracks reach the wire in more than one place.
- If the belt has chunks missing from the ribs.
- Check that the belt fits properly in the ribbed grooves.
HINT:
With your hand, confirm that the belt has not slipped out of the groove on the bottom of the pulley.
- Check the belt for wear, cracks and other signs of damage.
- VISUALLY CHECK GENERATOR WIRING
- Check that the wiring is in good condition.
- LISTEN FOR ABNORMAL NOISES FROM GENERATOR
- Check that there is no abnormal noise from the generator while the engine is running.
- INSPECT CHARGE WARNING LAMP CIRCUIT
- Turn the ignition switch ON. Check that the charge warning lamp turns on.
- Start the engine and check that the lamp turns off.
If the lamp does not operate as specified, troubleshoot the charge warning lamp circuit.
- INSPECT CHARGING CIRCUIT WITHOUT LOAD
HINT:
If a battery/generator tester is available, connect the tester to the charging circuit according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- If a tester is not available, connect a voltmeter and ammeter to the charging circuit as follows.
- Disconnect the wire from terminal B of the generator and connect it to the negative (-) lead of the ammeter.
- Connect the ammeter's positive (+) lead to terminal B of the generator
- Connect the voltmeter's positive (+) lead to terminal B of the generator.
- Ground the voltmeter's negative (-) lead.
- Check the charging circuit.
- Keep the engine speed at 2,000 RPM. Check the reading on the ammeter and voltmeter.
Standard amperage: 10 A or less
Standard voltage: 13.2 to 14.8 V
If the result is not as specified, replace the generator.
- If a tester is not available, connect a voltmeter and ammeter to the charging circuit as follows.
- INSPECT CHARGING CIRCUIT WITH LOAD
- With the engine running at 2,000 RPM, turn on the high beam headlights and turn the heater blower switch to the HI position.
- Check the reading on the ammeter.
Standard amperage: 30 A or more
HINT:
- If the ammeter reading is less than the standard amperage, repair the generator.
- If the battery is fully charged, the indication will sometimes be less than the standard amperage.