Inspection of the Battery-Charging Alternator
Precautions must be taken when working on or around the alternator. The diodes and transistors in the alternator circuit are very sensitive and can be easily destroyed. To avoid equipment damage, the following conditions must be met:
Warning: Battery Explosion and Acid Burn
To avoid injury from battery explosion or contact with battery acid, work in a well ventilated area, wear protective clothing, and avoid sparks or flames near the battery. If you come in contact with battery acid:
- Flush your skin with water.
- Apply baking soda or lime to help neutralize the acid.
- Flush your eyes with water.
- Get medical attention immediately.
- Avoid grounding the output terminal. Grounding an alternator output wire or terminal (which is always hot, regardless of whether or not the engine is running) and accidentally reversing the battery polarity will result in equipment damage.
- Do not reverse battery connections.
- Never disconnect the battery while the alternator is operating. Disconnecting the battery can result in damage to the battery diodes. In applications which have two sets of batteries, switching from one set to the other while the engine is running will momentarily disconnect the batteries.
- If a booster battery is to be used, batteries must be connected correctly (negative to negative, positive to positive).
- Never use a fast charger with the batteries connected or as a booster for battery output.
For information on the alternator assembly, contact an authorized distributor, depending on manufacturer.
Check the alternator as follows: