Chrysler Conquest 1988 Service Manual page 125

CHARGING SYSTEM
- Service Adiustment Procedures
8-113
Voltmeter Ammeter
01 R037C
OUTPUT CURRENT TEST
This test judges whether or not the alternator gives an output
current that is equivalent to the nominal output.
Preparation
(1) Prior to the test, check the following items and correct as
necessary.
(a) Check the battery installed in the vehicle to ensure that
it is in sound state*. The battery checking method is
described in "BATTERY".
NOTE:
*The battery that is used to test the output current
should be one that has been rather discharged. With a
fully charged battery, the test may not be conducted
correctly due to an insufficient load.
(b) Check tension of the alternator drive belt. The belt
tension check method is described in "GROUP 7
COOLING".
(2) Turn off the ignition switch.
(3) Disconnect the battery ground cable.
(4) Disconnect the alternator output wire from the alternator
"B" terminal.
(5) Connect a DC ammeter (0 to IOOA) in series between the
"B" terminal and the disconnected output wire.
Connect the (+) lead wire of the ammeter to the alternator
"B" terminal and the (-) lead wire to the disconnected
output wire.
NOTE:
Tighten each connection by bolt and nut securely as a heavy
current will flow. Do not rely on clips.
(6) Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20V) between the "B" terminal
and ground. Connect the (+) lead wire of the voltmeter to
the alternator "B" terminal and (-) lead wire to a sound
ground.
(7) Set the engine tachometer and connect the battery ground
cable.
(8) Leave the engine hood open.
Test
(1) Check to see that the voltmeter reads the same value as
the battery voltage.
If the voltmeter reads OV, an open circuit in the wire
between the alternator "B" terminal and battery (+)
terminal, a blown fusible link or poor grounding is sus-
pected.
(2) Turn on the headlight switch and start the engine.
(3) Set the headlight at high beam and the heater blower
switch at HIGH, quickly increase the engine speed to 2,500
rpm and read the maximum output current value indicated
by the ammeter.
NOTE:
After the engine startup, the charging current quickly drops.
Therefore, above operation must be done quickly to read
maximum current value correctly.