Charging System Resistance Tests; Charging System; Current Output Test - Chrysler 1998 Voyager Service Manual

8C - 4

CHARGING SYSTEM

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CHARGING SYSTEM RESISTANCE TESTS

These tests will show the amount of voltage drop
across the generator output wire from the generator
output (B+) terminal to the battery positive post.
They will also show the amount of voltage drop from
the ground (-) terminal on the generator or case
ground (Fig. 1) to the battery negative post.
A voltmeter with a 0–18 volt DC scale should be
used for these tests. By repositioning the voltmeter
test leads, the point of high resistance (voltage drop)
can easily be found.
PREPARATION
(1) Before starting test, make sure battery is in
good condition and is fully-charged. See Group 8A,
Battery for more information.
(2) Check condition of battery cables at battery.
Clean if necessary.
(3) Start the engine and allow it to reach normal
operating temperature.
(4) Shut engine off.
(5) Connect an engine tachometer.
(6) Fully engage the parking brake.
TEST
(1) Start engine.
(2) Place heater blower in high position.
(3) Turn on headlamps and place in high-beam
position.
(4) Turn rear window defogger on.
(5) Bring engine speed up to 2400 rpm and hold.
(6) Testing (+ positive) circuitry:
(a) Touch the negative lead of voltmeter directly
to battery positive POST (Fig. 2).
(b) Touch the positive lead of voltmeter to the
B+ output terminal stud on the generator (not the
terminal mounting nut). Voltage should be no
higher than 0.6 volts. If voltage is higher than 0.6
volts, touch test lead to terminal mounting stud
nut and then to the wiring connector. If voltage is
now below 0.6 volts, look for dirty, loose or poor
connection at this point. Also check condition of the
generator output wire-to-battery bullet connector.
Refer to Group 8, Wiring for connector location. A
voltage drop test may be performed at each (-
ground) connection in this circuit to locate the
excessive resistance.
(7) Testing (- ground) circuitry:
(a) Touch the positive lead of voltmeter directly
to battery negative POST.
(b) Touch the negative lead of voltmeter to the
generator case. Voltage should be no higher than
0.3 volts. If voltage is higher than 0.3 volts, touch
test lead to generator case and then to the engine
block. If voltage is now below 0.3 volts, look for
dirty, loose or poor connection at this point. A volt-
age drop test may be performed at each connection
in this circuit to locate the excessive resistance.
This test can also be performed between the gener-
ator case and the engine. If test voltage is higher
than 0.3 volts, check for corrosion at generator
mounting points or loose generator mounting.

CURRENT OUTPUT TEST

The current output test will determine if the
charging system can deliver its minimum test cur-
rent (amperage) output. Refer to the Specifications
section at the end of this group for minimum test
current (amperage) requirements.
The first part of this test will determine the com-
bined amperage output of both the generator and the
Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry.
PREPARATION
(1) Determine if any Diagnostic Trouble Codes
(DTC) exist. To determine a DTC, refer to On-Board
Diagnostics in this group. For repair, refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures man-
ual.
(2) Before starting test, make sure battery is in
good condition and is fully-charged. See Group 8A,
Battery for more information.
(3) Check condition of battery cables at battery.
Clean if necessary.
(4) Perform the Voltage Drop Test. This will
ensure clean and tight generator/battery electrical
connections.
(5) Be sure the generator drive belt is properly
tensioned. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for
information.
(6) A volt/amp tester equipped with both a battery
load control (carbon pile rheostat) and an inductive-
type pickup clamp (ammeter probe) will be used for
this test. Refer to operating instructions supplied
with tester. When using a tester equipped with an
inductive-type clamp, removal of wiring at the gener-
ator will not be necessary.
(7) Start the engine and allow it to reach operating
temperature.
(8) Shut engine off.
(9) Turn off all electrical accessories and all vehicle
lighting.
(10) Connect the volt/amp tester leads to the bat-
tery. Be sure the carbon pile rheostat control is in the
OPEN or OFF position before connecting leads. See
Load Test in Group 8A, Battery for more information.
Also refer to the operating instructions supplied with
test equipment.
(11) Connect the inductive clamp (ammeter probe).
Refer to the operating instructions supplied with test
equipment.
(12) If volt/amp tester is not equipped with an
engine tachometer, connect a separate tachometer to
the engine.
NS