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Alternator and Regulator Circuit Troubleshooting

  1. Make sure the battery connections are good and the battery is sufficiently charged.
  2. Connect a VAT-40 (or equivalent tester), and turn the selector switch to position 1 (starting).
    Fig 1: Connecting A VAT-40
    G03688104Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  3. Start the engine. Hold the engine at 3,000 RPM, with no load until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
  4. Raise the engine speed to 2,000 RPM, and hold it there.

    Is the voltage over 15.1 V? 

    1. YES  - Replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ) or rear housing assembly (see ALTERNATOR OVERHAUL  ).
    2. NO  - Go to step 5.
  5. Release the accelerator pedal, and let the engine idle.
  6. Make sure all accessories are turned off. Select the charging test on the tester
  7. Remove the inductive pickup, and zero the ammeter.
  8. Place the inductive pickup over the B terminal wire of the alternator so the arrow points away from the alternator.
  9. Raise the engine speed to 2,000 RPM, and hold it there.

    Is the voltage less than 13.5 V? 

    1. YES  - Go to Alternator Control Circuit Troubleshooting (see ALTERNATOR CONTROL CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING  ).
    2. NO  - Go to step 10.
  10. Apply a load with the VAT-40 until the battery voltage drops to between 12-13.5 V.

    Is the amperage 87.5 A or more? 

    1. YES  - The charging system is OK.
      NOTE: If the charging system indicator is still on, replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ).
    2. NO  - Replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ) or repair the alternator (see ALTERNATOR OVERHAUL  ).
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