Contents Section: Engine Electrics All sections

How to Check the Alternator Output Opel Frontera A

Engine Electrics ~154 words

Alternator Output, Check

Alternator installed in vehicle.

.D. ICON06.tif0,750,75tiff;; Inspect

Battery - fully charged.

Ribbed V - belt condition and tension - satisfactory.

Ground connections for alternator, engine, body, battery - satisfactory.

Battery terminal - tight, unbroken, not oxidized.

.D. ICON11.tif0,750,75tiff;; Important!

Do not reverse polarity of alternator terminals.

Do not short circuit alternator terminals.

Do not run alternator with battery disconnected (diode may be destroyed).

Circuit diagram for alternator output check.

1 Load resistor, variable

2 Battery

3 Voltmeter

4 Ammeter

5 Switch (starter key switch)

6 Charge telltale

7 Alternator

8 Charge relay
.P. C7197.tif97,5tiff;;
.D. ICON01.tif0,750,75tiff;; Remove, Disconnect

Ground cable from battery.

.D. ICON02.tif0,750,75tiff;; Install, Connect

Ammeter between terminal B of alternator and cable to terminal B.

Variable load resistor across battery terminals - ensure resistor set to maximum resistance.

Voltmeter across battery terminals.

Oscilloscope - in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

Tachometer.

Ground cable to battery.
.P. C7197.tif97,5tiff;;
.D. ICON11.tif0,750,75tiff;; Important!

Do not set load resistor to minimum resistance at this stage.

Start engine.

.D. ICON07.tif0,750,75tiff;; Measure

Output.

Adjust variable load resistor if output is not attained.
.D. ICON06.tif0,750,75tiff;; Inspect

Voltage curves on oscilloscope - should be uniform.

If required current is not attained, or voltage curves appear as peaks and troughs, replace alternator - see operation 'Alternator, Remove and Install'.
.P. C6227.tif97,5tiff;;