- Inspect the drive belt to ensure that it is tight and not damaged. If damaged, replace it (refer to Chapter Routine maintenance).
- Make sure the generator mounting bolts are securely tightened.
- Check the generator wiring and all connectors. All contacts should be secure and not oxidized.
- Check the relevant fuses located in the engine compartment (refer to Chapter On-board electrical equipment). If a burnt fuse is found, eliminate the cause of the fuse blowing and replace it (if the corresponding fuse blows, you will not be able to start the engine or turn on any of the devices).
- Start the engine and make sure that there are no extraneous sounds coming from the generator (a whistling or squealing noise may indicate faulty bearings or worn brushes).
- Make sure the battery is fully charged. If one of the cells is damaged, the battery may draw excess current.
- Disconnect the battery cable ends (negative at first). Inspect the battery terminals and cable ends. If traces of corrosion are found, clean them thoroughly (refer to the materials in Chapter Routine maintenance).
- Connect the wire ends to the terminals and tighten securely.
2. Measure the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine off. It should be about 12 volts.
3. Connect the voltmeter to the battery terminals and start the engine. Increase the engine speed until a stable voltage is established. The voltmeter readings should be between 13.5 and 14.6 volts.
4. Turn on as many electrical appliances as possible (headlights, heater fan, rear window heating, etc.) and make sure the voltmeter shows 13 to 14 volts. The voltage may drop, but should increase again (to do this, you may have to increase the engine speed slightly).
5. If the voltage on the voltmeter exceeds the specified values, replace the voltage regulator.
6. If the voltage on the voltmeter is below the maximum allowable, the cause of the malfunction may be worn brushes, weak brush springs, voltage regulator failure, a burnt-out diode, a break in the winding, or a malfunction of the collector rings. The condition of the brushes and rings can be checked, but if nothing changes, the generator must be removed for inspection, repair, or replacement.