Test Ch-1A, Checking Charging System No Trouble Codes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1994 Plymouth Sundance, 1994 Plymouth Acclaim, 1994 Dodge Spirit, 1994 Dodge Shadow, and 1994 Chrysler LeBaron. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Perform TEST TC-1A, TC-38A or TC-39A before proceeding. After each repair is completed, perform TEST CH-VER, CHARGING VERIFICATION .

Verify condition of battery. Ensure battery does not show signs of freezing, leakage, loose battery posts, or low electrolyte/water level. Inspect alternator belt tension and condition. Replace belt if necessary.
Start engine. Using DRB, set engine speed to 2000 RPM for 30 seconds. Return engine speed to idle and read trouble codes. If trouble codes are present, go to DRB TROUBLE CODES table. If no trouble codes are present, turn engine off with ignition on. Using DRB, actuate alternator field.
Using DRB in voltmeter mode, backprobe field terminal (Dark Green wire) at rear of alternator. See Figure or Figure . Voltage should cycle from zero to battery voltage every 1.4 seconds.
While observing DRB voltage cycle display, wiggle wiring harness in sections from rear of alternator to powertrain control module and to auto shutdown relay. If there is any interruption in voltage cycle display, repair wiring where interruption occurred.
If there is no interruption of voltage cycle display, read trouble codes. If trouble codes are present, go to DRB TROUBLE CODES table. If no trouble codes are present, turn ignition off. Using an external voltmeter, connect positive lead to alternator BAT terminal. Connect negative lead to positive battery terminal.
CAUTION: Ensure all test equipment and wires are clear of moving engine parts when starting engine.
Start engine. If voltage is more than 0.1 volt, repair Black/Gray wire between alternator and battery to eliminate high resistance. If voltage is less than 0.1 volt, turn ignition off.
Disconnect voltmeter leads. Connect positive lead to alternator case. Connect negative lead to negative battery terminal. Ensure all test equipment and wires are clear of moving engine parts.
CAUTION: Ensure all test equipment and wires are clear of moving engine parts when starting engine.
Start engine. If voltage is more than 0.1 volt, repair Black wire between alternator and battery to eliminate high resistance. If voltage is less than 0.1 volt, go to next step.
Using DRB, read and record battery voltage. Using external voltmeter, read and record voltage across battery terminals. Compare readings. If voltage difference is less than one volt, test is complete. If voltage difference is more than one volt, disconnect Powertrain Control Module (PCM). PCM is located behind battery.
Using DRB in voltmeter mode, check voltage on PCM connector terminal No. 3 (Red/White wire). If voltage is not within one volt of DRB recorded reading, replace PCM. If voltage is within one volt, repair Red/White wire between battery and PCM terminal No. 3 to eliminate high resistance.