Trouble Diagnoses with Battery/Starting/Charging System Tester: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan Xterra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: To ensure a complete and thorough diagnosis, the battery, starter and generator test segments must be done as a set from start to finish.

Before starting, perform the preliminary inspection. Refer to " PRELIMINARY INSPECTION ".

Stop the operation of the power generation variable voltage control system using either of the following procedures.
- Using the CONSULT-II, select "ENGINE" from "SELECT SYSTEM" and set the "ALT DUTY" to 0%. Keep "ALT DUTY" at 0% until the end of the inspection. When the "ALT DUTY" value is 0% or 100%, normal power generation is performed according to the characteristic of the IC regulator in the generator.
- Turn the ignition switch off, and disconnect the battery current sensor connector. Disconnecting the battery current sensor may cause DTC (P1550 - P1554) to set. After finishing the inspection, connect the battery current sensor connector and erase the self-diagnostic results history of the engine using CONSULT-II.
Turn off all loads on the vehicle electrical system.
Perform battery and starting system test with Battery/Starting/Charging system tester.
Press "ENTER" to begin the charging system test.
Start engine.

Fig 1: Tester Screen Display - Charging Test
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Press "ENTER" until "LOADS OFF REV ENGINE 5 SEC" is displayed.
Raise and hold the engine speed at 1, 500 to 2, 000 RPM for about 5 seconds, then return the engine to idle.
Once the increase in engine RPM is detected, press "ENTER" to continue.
NOTE:
- If after 30 seconds an increase in engine idle speed is not detected"RPM NOT DETECTED" will display.
- Some engines may have a higher idle initially after starting, particularly when the engine is cold. The tester may detect this without any other action being taken. If this occurs, continue on with the testing process. The final results will not be affected.
Fig 2: Tester Screen Display - Loads Off Rev Engine 5 Sec
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
The tester now checks the engine at idle and performs the DIODE/RIPPLE check.
When complete, the tester will prompt you to turn on the following electrical loads.
- Heater fan set to highest speed. Do not run the A/C or windshield defroster.
- Headlamp high beam
- Rear window defogger
NOTE: Do not run the windshield wipers or any other cyclical loads.

Fig 3: Tester Screen Display - Diode/Ripple
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Press "ENTER" to continue.

Fig 4: Tester Screen Display - Enter
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Raise and hold the engine speed at 1, 500 to 2, 000 RPM for about 5 seconds, then return the engine to idle. Once the increase in engine RPM is detected, press "ENTER" to continue.
NOTE: If after 30 seconds an increase in engine idle speed is not detected"RPM NOT DETECTED" will be displayed. Press "ENTER" to restart the test.

Fig 5: Tester Screen Display - Loads Off Rev Engine 5 Sec
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Diagnostic result is displayed on the tester. Refer to "DIAGNOSTIC RESULT ITEM CHART ".

Fig 6: Tester Screen Display - Charging System Normal
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Press "ENTER" then test output code is displayed. Record the test output code on the repair order.
Toggle back to the "DIAGNOSTIC SCREEN" for test results.

Fig 7: Tester Screen Display - Charging Code
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.