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ALTERNATOR
The function
of the alternator
is an electrical
system voltage
maintainer,
not a battery
charger. When
the engine is
operating, the alternator maintains electrical
system voltage relative to a load, such as
headlights and windshield wipers. When a
heavy load is placed on the alternator, such
as trying to charge dead house batteries, the
operating temperature of the alternator will
increase. Excess operating temperature of the
alternator for extended periods of operation
can lead to premature failure of the alternator.
The alternator replaces amp hours the chassis
battery used to start the engine. The amount
of charge the alternator sends to the chassis
battery is dependent on the amount of time
the engine is operated. Repeatedly starting the
engine for short periods may not be enough
operating time to adequately replace the amp
hours the chassis battery uses to start the
engine.
When traveling, keep an eye on the voltmeter
in the dash area. Normal readings should
be between 13 to 14.5 Volts DC. Voltage
indications higher or lower indicate a potential
problem with the charging system. If the
alternator output drops below an acceptable
level, a charge indication warning lamp will
illuminate.
18
NOTE
The alternator is not designed to
charge the house batteries from a
complete discharge to a full state of
charge. The alternator will maintain
the battery charge during travel,
supplying the DC current necessary
to operate running lights or other DC
loads.
090347b
If the house batteries are in a low state of
charge, it is recommended to charge the house
batteries with the inverter or an auxiliary
battery charger before driving the motorhome.
CAUTION
Long-term use of the inverter to
operate the microwave while in transit
will damage the alternator. Use the
generator to operate the microwave
while in transit.
Alternator Testing Procedure
Alternator Testing:
Check all wiring for burnt or loose
electrical connections. Repair as
needed.
Check all grounds and electrical
connections to confirm they are clean
and tight.
- Alternator ground to chassis frame.
- Motor block ground to chassis frame.
- Chassis battery ground to chassis frame.
- Alternator positive output to isolator relay
terminal.
Inspect the alternator for damage.
Check belt, pulley and fan for wear.
Replace as needed.
DO NOT disconnect the battery or
battery wire from the alternator with
the engine running as this can damage
the alternator or regulator.
The pulley for the alternator should be
torqued to 80 ft. lbs.
Chassis battery voltage with the engine
OFF should range from 12.2 to 12.7
Volt DC.
Chassis battery voltage with the engine
at idle should range 13.5 to 14.2 Volts
DC.
The output of the alternator range
is 13.6 to 15.4 Volts DC. Connect a
volt meter to the (B+) terminal of the
alternator and chassis ground. Idle the
engine up to 1200 RPM.
Connect a clamp-on amp-meter, if
available, to the positive battery cable
to verify the battery state/rate of
charge.
CAUTION
The alternator is not a battery charger.
The alternator is designed to maintain
proper electrical system voltage. A
battery with a low state of charge,
or a dead battery, may overheat and
damage the alternator.
STEERINg cOLUMN
Tilt & Telescope
Tilt and telescope steering wheel control
lever is located on the steering column.
To Tilt the Steering Wheel:
Pull the lever up and tilt the steering
wheel to the desired level.
Release the lever to lock the steering
wheel in the new position.
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