Checking the alternator charge voltage
This operation requires a voltmeter. By voltage, you can determine whether the battery is sufficiently recharged.
Connect a voltmeter between ground and the thick red wire on the generator.
Start the engine and increase its speed a little.
Check voltmeter readings. If the voltage is between 13.3 and 14.6 V, then it is correct.
If the measured voltage is much lower than the specified values, you need to check the brushes. Another reason could be a faulty voltage regulator. If the brushes look good, then the generator itself is faulty.
Checking the brushes
Although the work can be done with the generator installed, it is still better to remove it.
Remove the cover from the back of the generator. It is attached with three bolts in the middle.
On the top of the generator, remove the voltage regulator by unscrewing one bolt on the left and right.
Take the regulator and carefully pull it out.
Measure the length of the carbon brushes protruding from the brush holder. The new brushes are 13 mm long, which must be taken into account when measuring. Brushes less than 5 mm long means they need to be replaced, i.e. replacement of the entire regulator with brushes. However, you can only replace the brushes, but this is more difficult and will require them to be soldered to the mount.
Driving with an idle generator
If it is determined that the alternator is no longer charging the battery (control lamp on), then this is not a reason for despair. During the day, with such a malfunction, you can move for several more hours (assuming AB is in good condition). In this case, you need to proceed as follows:
Try not to turn off the engine; when starting, the starter draws a lot of current. If you still need to do this, then you need to stop on a slope so that you do not use the starter when starting the engine.
Switch off the heated rear window, receiver and heating.
In light rain, use the wiper pause mode.
When driving at night, use only low beams. Do not include additional lights.
If it is determined that the generator is faulty, then you can disconnect the wire from it and insulate it to prevent current from leaking from the battery through the generator.
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