Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 352

BATTERY/STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS 8A -19
(2) Inspect all fuses in the fuseblock module and
Power Distribution Center (PDC) for tightness in re­
ceptacles. They should be properly installed and
tight. Repair or replace as required.
(3) Inspect the electrolyte level in the battery. If
cell caps are removable, add water if required. If cell
caps are not removable, replace battery if electrolyte
level is low.
(4) Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness.
Replace or tighten bolts, if required. Refer to Group
8B - Battery/Starter/Generator Service for torque
specifications.
(5) Inspect generator drive belt condition and ten­
sion. Tighten or replace belt as required. Refer to
Belt Tension Specifications in Group 7 - Cooling Sys­
tem.
(6) Inspect connections at generator field, battery
output, and ground terminals. Also check ground con­
nection at engine. They should all be clean and tight.
Repair as required.
OUTPUT WIRE RESISTANCE TEST
This test will show the amount of voltage drop
across the generator output wire, from the generator
battery terminal to the battery positive post.
PREPARATION
(1) Before starting test make sure vehicle has a
fully-charged battery. See Battery in this group for
more information.
(2) Turn ignition switch to OFF.
(3) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(4) Disconnect generator output wire from genera­
tor battery output terminal.
CHARGING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION
POSSIBLE CAUSES
CORRECTION
LOW OR
UNSTEADY
CHARGING.
1. Battery discharged
or faulty.
2. Loose or faulty
generator drive
belt.
3. Loose generator
mounting.
4. Loose or corroded
charging circuit
wiring connections.
5. High resistance in
generator output
wire.
6. Generator assembly
faulty.
7. Faulty generator
field control
circuit.
1. See Battery, in this group. Charge or
replace battery, if required.
2. Refer to Group 7 - Cooling System, for belt
inspection and tightening procedures. Replace
or tighten belt, if required.
3. Refer to Group 8B - Battery/Starter/Generator
Service, for generator service procedures.
Tighten generator mounting, if required.
4. Inspect all charging circuit connections,
including grounds and fuses. Clean or tighten,
if required.
5. See Ouput Wire Resistance Test, in this
group. Test and repair, if required.
6. See Current Output Test, in this group.
Test and replace, if required.
7. See Using On-Board Diagnostic System,
in this group. Diagnose and repair, if
required.
OVER­
CHARGING.
1. Short in generator
field control
circuit.
2 Generator assembly
faulty.
1. See Using On-Board Diagnostic System,
in this group. Diagnose and repair, if
required.
2. See Current Output Test, in this group.
Test and replace, if required.
GENERATOR
NOISY.
1. Loose, worn, or
damaged drive belt.
2. Drive belt
pulleys misaligned.
3. Generator assembly
faulty.
1. Refer to Group 7 - Cooling System, for
diagnosis and repair of drive belt problems
2. Refer to Group 7 - Cooling System, for
diagnosis and repair of pulley misalignment.
3. Refer to Group 8B - Batttery/Starter/Generator
Service, for generator service procedures.
J958A-12