Output Current Test

Required special tool: MB991502: Scan Tool (MUT-II).

1. This test, always be sure to check the following:
   • Generator installation.
   • Battery.
     NOTE: Battery to be used should be slightly discharged. The load in a fully-charged battery will be insufficient and test may not be able to be carried out correctly.
2. Turn ignition switch to LOCK (OFF) position.
   WARNING: Battery posts, terminal and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
3. Disconnect negative battery cable.
   WARNING: Never use clips to connect line. Loose connections (e.g. using clips) will lead to a serious accident because of high current.
4. Disconnect generator output wire from generator B-terminal and connect a DC test ammeter with a range of 0-100A in series between B-terminal and disconnected output wire. (Connect positive lead of ammeter to B-terminal and then connect negative lead o ammeter to disconnected output wire.)
   NOTE: A clamp-type ammeter which enables measurements to be take without disconnecting generator output wire is recommended.
5. Connect a voltmeter with a range of 0-20V between generator B-terminal and ground. (Connect positive lead of voltmeter to B-terminal and then connect negative lead of voltmeter to ground.)
   WARNING: Battery posts, terminal and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
6. Connect negative battery cable.
7. Connect a tachometer or scan tool MB991502.
8. Leave hood open.
9. Check to be sure that the reading on voltmeter is equal to battery positive voltage.
   NOTE: If voltage is 0V, cause is probably an open circuit in wire of fusible link between generator B-terminal and battery positive terminal.
10. After turning light switch ON and turning on headlights, start engine.
    NOTE: Because current from battery will soon drop after engine is started, step 11 should be carried out as quickly as possible in order to obtain maximum current output value.
11. Immediately after setting headlights to high beam and turning heater blower switch to high revolution position, increase engine speed to 2,500 r/min and read maximum current output value displayed on ammeter. Limit value: 701% of nominal current output.
    NOTE: For nominal current output. See GENERATOR MINIMUM OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS  .
    the current output value will depend on electrical load and temperature of generator body.
    If electrical load is small while testing, specified level of current may not be output even though generator is normal. In such cases, increase electrical load by leaving headlights turned ON for some time to discharge battery or by using lighting system in another vehicle and then test again.
    The specified level of current also may not be output if the temperature of the generator body or ambient temperature is too high. In such cases, cool generator and then test again.
12. Reading on ammeter should be above limit value. If reading is below limit value and generator output wire is normal, remove generator from engine and check generator.
13. Run engine at idle speed after test.
14. Turn ignition switch to LOCK (OFF) position.
15. Disconnect tachometer or scan tool MB991502.
    WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
16. Disconnect negative battery cable.
17. Disconnect ammeter and voltmeter and tachometer.
18. Connect generator output wire to generator B-terminal.
    WARNING: Battery posts, terminal and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
19. Connect negative battery cable. See Fig 1 or Fig 2 .

Fig 1: Output Current Test (Diamante, Montero & Montero Sport)

Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.

Fig 2: Output Current Test (Eclipse, Galant, Lancer & Mirage)

Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.