Alternator System Diagnosis - Briggs & Stratton 276781 Instruction Manual

Alternator System Diagnosis

Complaint
Battery Not
Charging
Battery
Overcharged
Headlamps Not
Working
Electric Clutch
Not Working
(Tri-Circuit
Alternator)
Possible Causes
• Engine RPM too low.
• Inline fuse "blown" (if equipped)
• Defective or damaged battery (shortened battery cells)
• Loose, pinched, or corroded battery ground leads or charge
leads
• Open, shorted, or grounded wires between output
connector and battery
• Defective diode (open or shorted)
• Diode installed incorrectly (reversed)
• Defective or improperly grounded regulator-rectifier
• Excessive current draw from accessories
• Weak or damaged alternator magnets
• Severe battery vibration (missing or broken tie-down
straps)
• Battery rate of charge not matched to alternator output
• Damaged battery (shorted battery cells)
• Defective regulator
• 1-Ohm resistor shorted or grounded (Tri-Circuit system
only)
• Inline fuse "blown" (if equipped)
• Defective headlamps
• Loose or corroded wires
• Open, shorted, or grounded wires between output
connector and electric clutch
• Light switch defective
• Defective diode Tri-Circuit system (open or shorted – white
output lead side).
• Weak or damaged alternator magnets
• Inline fuse "blown" (if equipped)
• Loose or corroded wires
• Open, shorted or grounded wires between output
connector and electric clutch.
• Defective diode (open or shorted – red output lead side)
• Defective electric clutch switch
• Open, shorted, or grounded clutch circuit
• Weak or damaged alternator magnets
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