Alternator Test
- Turn ignition on. If charge indicator light on instrument panel comes on, go to step 3). If light is off, disconnect alternator connector (terminals "L" and "S"). Ground terminal "L". If light remains off, replace indicator bulb, reconnect alternator connector and recheck.
- If light comes on, reconnect alternator connector. Full-field alternator by grounding internal terminal "F" with a wire. See Fig 1. If light goes out, repair or replace alternator. If light is on, replace regulator.
- Start and run engine at idle. If light is dim, flickers or remains on (bright), repair or replace alternator. If light goes out, operate engine at 1500 RPM and turn on headlights. If light comes on, replace regulator.
- If light stays off, measure voltage at terminal "B" while running engine at 1500 RPM. If more than 15.5 volts are present, replace regulator. If 13-15 volts are present, alternator and regulator are okay. Ensure alternator output amperage is as specified. See HITACHI ALTERNATOR OUTPUT AMPERAGE SPECIFICATIONS table.
HITACHI ALTERNATOR OUTPUT AMPERAGE SPECIFICATIONS
| Application |
Output Amps @ 2500 RPM |
Output Amps @ 5000 RPM |
| Maxima |
| VE30DE |
80 @ 2500 |
91 @ 5000 |
| VG30E |
63 @ 2500 |
84 @ 5000 |
| NX & Sentra |
| 1.6L |
50 @ 2500 |
67 @ 5000 |
| 2.0L |
63 @ 2500 |
77 @ 5000 |
| Pathfinder & Pickup |
| 2.4L |
48 @ 2500 |
57 @ 5000 |
| 3.0L |
50 @ 2500 |
67 @ 5000 |
| 240SX |
63 @ 2500 |
77 @ 5000 |
| 300ZX |
65 @ 2500 |
80 @ 5000 |
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.