5. System Test
5.1. Turn off all the accessories of the vehicle, including the lights, the air conditioner, the radio etc. before starting
the engine.
5.2. Press
to select the system test. Press
5.3. After the engine has been started, the tester will display one of the following results together with the current
measured reading:
5.3.1. CRANKING VOLTS NORMAL The system is showing normal current absorption. Press
the system charging test.
5.3.2. CRANKING VOLTS LOW Starting voltage is below normal limits; detect the failure of the cranking motor
according to the procedures recommended by the manufacturer.
5.3.3. CRANKING VOLTS NOT DETECTED Starting voltage has not been determined. If starting voltage is
normal, press
LOADS will appear on the screen.
5.3.4. Press
; the tester will display one of the following results together with the current measured reading:
5.3.4.1. LOW CHARGING VOLTS WHEN TEST AT IDLE The alternator is not supplying the battery with
enough power. Check the belts to make sure that the alternator runs synchronously with the
engine; otherwise, replace the belts or bearings of the alternator and test again. Check
connection between the alternator and the battery. If connection is slow or heavily affected, clean
or replace the cable and test again. If the belts and connections are in good condition, replace
the alternator.
5.3.4.2. CHARGING SYSTEM NORMAL WHEN TEST AT IDLE The system is showing normal output
from the alternator. No problem has been detected.
5.3.4.3. HIGH CHARGING VOLTS WHEN TEST AT IDLE Alternator voltage exceeds normal recharging
limits. Make sure that no connections are slow and that earth is normal. If no defects are shown,
replace the regulator. Because most alternators are fitted with built-in regulators, the alternator
will have to be replaced. The standard height limit of a car regulator is 14.7 volts +/- 0.05. Check
the manufacturer's specifications for the proper limit, which will vary according to vehicle and
manufacturer.
5.3.5. Following the charging system at idle, press
on all the electrical accessories. Do not use any cyclic loads - for example, air conditioners and
windscreen wipers.
5.3.6. When testing older diesel engines, the engine should run at 2500 rpm for 15 seconds. The words
ACCEL. ENGINE TO 2500 RPM FOR 15 SEC will appear on the screen.
5.3.7. Press
of the following results with the current test measurements:
5.3.7.1. RIPPLE DETECTED NORMAL Diodes run properly in the alternator / stator.
5.3.7.2. EXCESS RIPPLE DETECTED One or more diodes in the alternator do not run or the stator has
been damaged. Make sure that the alternator has been fixed correctly and that the belts are in
good condition; if no defects are shown, replace the alternator.
5.3.8. Press
following results with the current test measurements:
5.3.8.1. CHARGING SYSTEM HIGH WHEN TEST WITH ACCESSORY LOADS Alternator voltage
exceeds normal recharging limits. Make sure that no connections are slow and that earth is
normal; if no defects are shown, replace the regulator. Because most alternators are fitted with
built-in regulators, the alternator will have to be replaced.
5.3.8.2. CHARGING SYSTEM LOW WHEN TEST WITH ACCESSORY LOADS The alternator is not
supplying enough power for the electrical system load and battery charge. Check the belts to
make sure that the alternator runs synchronously with the engine. If the slips are slipping or are
broken, replace the belts and test again. Check connection between the alternator and the
battery. If connection is slow or highly affected, clean or replace the cable and test again. If the
belts and connections are in good condition, replace the alternator.
5.3.8.3. CHARGING SYSTEM NORMAL WHEN TEST WITH ACCESSORY LOADS The system is
showing normal output from the alternator. No problems are shown.
5.3.9. Press
ENGINE. Turn off all the accessories and the engine. Press
the test clamps from the battery poles after completing the tests to finish the test.
to start charging the system test; the words DISCONNECT ALL ELECTRICAL
to see the amount of noise from the charging system to the battery. The tester will display one
to continue the system charging test with accessory loads. The tester will display one of the
when the charging system test has been completed END OF TEST TURN OFF LOADS &
.
for the charging system with the accessory load. Turn
to go back to the starting point or remove
to perform