Mitsubishi MOTORS Laser 1991, Service Manual, Page: 145 / 320

CHARGING SYSTEM
This test judges whether or not the alternator gives
an output current that is equivalent to the nominal
output.
Prior to the test, check the following items and
correct as necessary.
Check the battery installed in the vehicle to
ensure that it is in sound state*. The battery
checking method is described in “BAT-
TERY”.
NOTE
“The battery that is used to test the output
current should be one that has been rather
discharged. With a fully charged battery, the
test may not be conducted correctly due to
an insufficient load.
Check tension of the alternator drive belt. The
belt tension check method is described in
“GROUP O-Maintenance Service”.
or
Turn off the ignition switch.
Disconnect the battery ground cable.
Disconnect the alternator output wire from the
alternator “B” terminal.
Connect a DC ammeter to in series
between the “B” terminal and the disconnected
output wire. Connect the lead“ the
ammeter to the “B” terminal and connect the
lead wire to the disconnected output wire.
NOTE
Tighten each connection by bolt and nut securely
as a heavy current will flow. Do not relay on clips.
Connect a voltmeter to between the “B”
terminal and ground. Connect the lead wire
to the alternator “B” terminal and
lead wire
to a sound ground.
Set the engine tachometer and connect the
battery ground cable.
Leave the engine hood open.
Ignition
switch
Alternator
Voltmeter
Ammeter
Check to see that the voltmeter reads the same
value as the battery voltage.
If the voltmeter reads OV, an open circuit in the
wire between the alternator terminal and
battery terminal, a blown fusible link or poor
grounding is suspected.
Turn on the headlight switch and start the engine.
Set the headlight at high beam and the heater
blower switch at HIGH, quickly increase the
engine speed to 2,500 rpm and read the
maximum output current value indicated by the
ammeter.
NOTE
After the engine start up, the charging current
quickly drops, therefore, above operation must be
done quickly to read maximum current value
correctly.