FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Voltage Drop Test

1. Ensure battery is fully charged.
2. Check generator ground path using an ohmmeter. Resistance should not exceed .3 Mega ohms.
3. Connect positive lead of an 18 volt voltmeter to positive lead for generator (B+) output terminal.
4. Connect negative lead to positive battery post.
5. Connect an engine tachometer.
6. Place transaxle in park position and apply parking brake.
7. Start engine and allow to idle for ten minutes.
8. Operate blower motor on high speed and turn headlamps on high beam.
9. Increase engine speed to 2400 RPM and observe voltmeter. Voltmeter should not exceed 0.8 volts.
10. If a higher voltage drop is indicated, clean and tighten all connections between generator and battery.
11. If voltage drop is as specified, system is operating correctly.