Current Output Test
NOTE:
CURRENT OUTPUT TEST determines if alternator is capable of delivering its rated current output.
- Charge battery as necessary. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect alternator output wire at alternator BAT terminal. See Fig 1. Using a 0-150-ampere scale DC ammeter, connect positive ammeter lead to alternator BAT terminal and negative lead to disconnected alternator output wire. See Fig 2 and Fig 3 .
- Using a voltmeter (0-18 volts range minimum), connect positive voltmeter lead to disconnected alternator BAT terminal and negative lead to good ground.
- Connect engine tachometer and reconnect negative battery cable. Connect carbon pile rheostat between battery terminals. Ensure carbon pile is in OFF position before connecting leads.CAUTION: Alternator has 2 field terminals. One field terminal has Dark Green wire and other field terminal has Dark Blue wire. DO NOT connect jumper wire to alternator field terminal Dark Blue wire.
- On Caravan, Town & Country and Voyager, remove air hose between SBEC and air cleaner. On all models, connect one end of jumper wire to ground and other end to alternator field terminal Dark Green wire on back of alternator.
- Start engine and reduce engine speed to idle. Adjust carbon pile and engine speed in increments until engine speed is 1250 RPM and voltmeter reads 15 volts. DO NOT allow voltage to read more than 16 volts.
- Ammeter should read within specification. Refer to the ALTERNATOR MINIMUM OUTPUT table. If alternator amperage reads less than specified and alternator output wire resistance is not excessive, replace alternator. After CURRENT OUTPUT TEST is completed, reduce engine speed, turn off carbon pile and ignition switch.
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove test ammeter, voltmeter, tachometer and carbon pile. Remove jumper wire between alternator field terminal Dark Green wire and ground. Reconnect alternator output wire to alternator BAT terminal. Reconnect negative battery cable and hose between SBEC and air cleaner.