Caution: Before you begin, please refer to the warnings given in the "Safety First!" section and in section 1.
1. If the alternator battery charge indicator lamp ("no-charge") does not light when the ignition is turned on, first check the reliability of the alternator electrical connections. Next, check that the indicator lamp is not burned out and that the lamp socket is securely attached to the instrument cluster. If the indicator still does not light, check the condition of the indicator circuit from the alternator to the lamp socket. If everything is OK, then the generator is faulty and needs to be removed for inspection and repair or replaced.
2. If the battery charge indicator lamp lights up when the engine is already running, stop the engine and check the drive belt tension (see Chapter 1) and alternator connections. If, however, everything is satisfactory, check the generator brushes and rings (see section 6). If the fault is not corrected, the generator must be removed for testing and repair or replaced.
3. If there is any doubt about the generator output parameters, even if the test lamp works properly, check the regulated voltage as follows.
4. Connect the voltmeter to the battery terminals and start the engine.
5. Increase the engine speed until the voltmeter reading becomes stable. The voltmeter should show approximately 12-13 V (volts), but not more than 14 V (volts)
6. Turn on as much electrical equipment as possible (headlights, heater, etc.) and check that the alternator maintains voltage within 13.5-14.5 V.
7. If the regulated voltage does not correspond to the standard, the cause may be wear or weak pressure of the brushes, a faulty voltage regulator, phase winding or diode, wear or damage to the generator rings. The generator brushes and rings can be checked (see section 6). but if the fault is not resolved, the generator must be removed for inspection and repair or replaced.