Electrical Specified Value Inspection (Using the Voltmeter and Ammeter)

This test is to check the wiring condition between the alternator B terminal and the battery (+) terminal by using the voltage drop of the wiring.

1. Preparation
   1. Turn the IG OFF.
   2. Disconnect the output wiring (A) from the alternator B terminal.

      Tightening torque: 

      18.6 - 24.5 N.m (1.9 - 2.5 kgf.m, 13.7 - 18.1 lb.ft)

      Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

   3. Connect the (+) lead wire of the DC ammeter into the alternator B terminal and the (-) lead wire into the disconnected output wiring in series. Connect (+) lead wire of the digital voltmeter into the alternator B terminal and (-) lead wire into (+) terminal of the battery.

   Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

2. Test
   1. Start the engine.
   2. Check the value displayed by the voltmeter when the ammeter indicates 30 A by operating the headlamp, blower motor, etc., and adjusting the engine speed.
3. Result
   1. It is normal if the measured value of the voltmeter is below the specified value.

      Specified value (V)  : Maximum 0.2

   2. If the value of the voltmeter is higher than standard value, defective wiring is suspected. In this case check the wiring from the alternator B terminal to the fuse and battery (+) terminal. Check for wiring connection, discoloration by over-heated harness, etc. Correct them before testing again.

This test is to verify that the output current of the alternator matches the rated current.

1. Preparation
   1. Check the following items and repair if necessary before the test.
      • Check that the battery is in good condition.

        (Refer to Charging System - "BATTERY ")

      • The battery that is used in the output current test should not be fully charged.
      • The fully charged battery is unsuitable for testing due to insufficient load.
      • Check the tension and condition of the alternator drive belt.
   2. Turn the IG OFF.
   3. Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal.
   4. Disconnect the output wiring (A) from the alternator B terminal.

      Tightening torque: 

      18.6 - 24.5 N.m (1.9 - 2.5 kgf.m, 13.7 - 18.1 lb.ft)

      Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

   5. Connect a (+) lead wire of DC ammeter (0 to 150 A) to the alternator B terminal and (-) lead wire to disconnected output wiring in series.
      NOTE:

      • Since high currents flow, tighten and insulate each connecting parts properly.
      • Do not use clip, etc.
   6. Connect a (+) lead wire of digital voltmeter (0 - 20 V) to B terminal of alternator and (-) lead wire to ground.
   7. Install the engine tachometer and connect the battery ground cable.
   8. Leave the engine hood open.

   Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

2. Test
   1. Check that the value indicated by the voltmeter is the same as the battery voltage. If the voltmeter indicates 0 V, suspect an open circuit or poor grounding between the alternator B terminal and the battery (+) terminal.
   2. Start the engine and turn on the headlamp.
   3. Set the headlamp to high beam and the heater blower switch to MAX, quickly increase the engine speed to 2, 500 rpm and read the maximum output current indicated by the ammeter.
   NOTE:

   • Since the charging current rapidly decreases after starting the engine so the maximum output current value must be read quickly and accurately.
   • If the battery discharges which is used in the measuring instrument, the measured value drops, so make sure to check the battery status.
   • When measuring current, the vehicle's electrical load must be applied to measure the current accurately.
3. Result
   1. The ammeter must display over the limit value. If the output line of the alternator is in good condition but displays less than the limit value, remove the alternator from the vehicle and test.

      Limit value:  60% of the voltage rate

      Information 

      The rated current value is marked on the nameplate on the back of the alternator unit.

      NOTE:

      • Since the output current changes due to the electrical load and the temperature of the alternator itself, the rated current may not be obtained. In this case, the electric load can be increased by turning on the headlamp to discharge the battery or by using the headlamp of another vehicle.
      • If the rated current cannot be obtained due to the temperature of the alternator itself or excessively high ambient temperature, reduce the temperature and retest.

The purpose of this test is to check that the electronic voltage regulator controls voltage properly.

1. Preparation
   1. Check the following items and repair if necessary before the test.
      • Check that the battery is in good condition.

        (Refer to Charging System - "BATTERY ")

      • The battery to be used for the regulated voltage test must be a fully charged battery.
   2. Turn the IG OFF.
   3. Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal.
   4. Connect the (+) lead of the voltmeter to the alternator B terminal and the (-) lead to the ground or battery (-) terminal.
   5. Disconnect the output wiring (A) from the alternator B terminal.

      Tightening torque: 

      18.6 - 24.5 N.m (1.9 - 2.5 kgf.m, 13.7 - 18.1 lb.ft)

      Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

   6. Connect a (+) lead wire of DC ammeter (0 to 150 A) to B terminal of alternator and (-) lead wire to disconnected output wire in serial.
   7. Connect the battery negative (-) terminal.

   Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

2. Test
   1. Turn the IG ON and check if the voltmeter displays the following values.

      Voltage: Battery voltage 

      If 0 V is displayed, suspects an open circuit or a faulty ground between the alternator B terminal and the battery (-) terminal.

   2. Start the engine and keep all lights and accessories off.
   3. Adjust the engine speed to 2, 500 rpm and read the value indicated by the voltmeter when the alternator output current drops below 30 A.
3. Result
   1. If the value indicated by the voltmeter matches the regulated voltage value, the voltage regulator operates normally, and if it is different from the specified value, the regulator or alternator is defective.

      Regulated voltage (V):  10.6 - 16.0