LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Saturn >> 1999 >> SW1 Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Electrical >> Charging Systems >> Generator & Regulator >> On-Vehicle Testing >> Battery/Generator Load Test
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Battery/Generator Load Test

NOTE: Following test is for use with electronic system tester (SA9154A).
  1. Ensure fusible link between starter and generator is okay. Ensure connections are clean and tight.
    NOTE: Blown fusible link may be caused by an internal generator failure. Verify no external arcing or shorting of fusible link with other wires and/or components is present. If no problems are found, replace generator and fusible link.
  2. Connect large, Red tester cable to battery positive. Connect large, Black tester cable to battery negative. Place Gray inductive current pick-up around battery positive cable. Ensure arrow on Gray inductive pick-up is pointing toward starter motor solenoid.
    NOTE: Place Gray inductive current pick-up around battery positive cable between battery positive terminal and starter solenoid connection. Easiest place to connect inductive pick-up is next to brake master cylinder. Battery positive cable runs under master cylinder and is covered by a protective wire conduit. This conduit does not need to be removed for this test. On models equipped with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), inductive pick-up can be placed between ABS master cylinder and starter motor.
  3. Press CHARGING SYSTEM TEST button. Display should show correct number of cylinders. To change number of cylinders, press appropriate number button on keypad.
  4. Run engine at 2000 RPM until display flashes MAINTAIN 2000 RPM. Hold engine speed at 2000 RPM until counter counts down from 10 seconds. When 10 seconds are over, run engine at idle until display flashes MAINTAIN IDLE.
  5. Hold at idle for a few seconds until display flashes TEST COMPLETE. Turn engine off. Press CONTINUE button to see results of testing. Tester will display voltage and current output of generator.
  6. With a good battery in vehicle, voltage output should be 13.0-15.5 volts. All CS series generators should be able to produce within 15 amps of rated output at 2000 RPM.
  7. Vehicles are equipped with a 96-amp generator and should have a current output of 16-36 amps at 650 RPM with a generator inlet air temperature of 81-221°F (27-105°C) or an output of 68-95 amps at 2000 RPM with a generator inlet air temperature of 81-221°F (27-105°C).
    NOTE: Higher inlet temperature results in a reduced amperage output.
  8. If generator does not pass voltage and current tests, ensure battery is fully charged and no excessive electrical loads are present. If battery and electrical loads are okay, replace generator.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals