Bench Testing: Rectifier
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 Acura 3.2TL, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002 Acura 3.2TL, 2002 Acura 3.2CL, and 2001 Acura 3.2TL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Check for continuity in each direction, between the B terminal "A" and P terminals "B", and between the E terminal "C" and P terminals of each diode pair. See Fig 1. All diodes should have continuity in only one direction. Because the rectifier diodes are designed to allow current to pass in only one direction, and the rectifier is made up of 8 diodes (4 pairs) (6 diodes (3 pairs) for 2000-03 models), you must test each diode in both directions for continuity with an ohmmeter that has diode checking capability: a total of 16 checks (12 checks for 2000-03 models). If any diode is faulty, replace the rectifier assembly (diodes are not available separately). If all the diodes are OK, go to BRUSH inspection.