- a) Check the condition and tension of the alternator drive belt (see chapter Settings and ongoing maintenance). Replace if necessary;
- b) Check up reliability of a tightening of fixing bolts of the generator;
- c) Check the condition of the wiring and electrical connections of the generator;
- d) If equipped, check the condition of the fusible link installed between the starter traction relay and the generator, or the condition of the large main fuses in the engine compartment. In case of knocked-out elements, identify and eliminate the cause of the overloads that have taken place, then replace the defective components;
- e) Check the condition of all fuses included in the electric circuit of the charging system. The location of the fuses and fuse links may vary depending on the model and year of manufacture of the vehicle (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment);
- f) Start the engine and evaluate the intensity of the background noise emitted by the generator;
- g) Check the density of the electrolyte in the battery banks, if necessary, recharge the latter;
- h) Make sure the battery is fully charged - one bad cell can cause the battery to overcharge);
- i) Disconnect the negative and then the positive wires from the battery first.
Attention! If the stereo system installed in the car is equipped with a security code, before disconnecting the battery, make sure that you have the correct combination to activate the audio system! Evaluate the condition of the battery wires at the places where they are connected to the battery terminals of the latter. Check the security of the terminal clamps. After carefully cleaning the contact terminals, connect the battery.
2. Perform generator and voltage regulator function checks (see Section Check of serviceability of functioning, removal and installation of the generator).