Insight L4-1.3L Hybrid (2010)
Alternator: Testing and Inspection
Alternator Testing, Update by SMU #10-054
September 8, 2010
Applies To:
2005-10 Models - ALL
Service Manual Update: Alternator Testing
BACKGROUND
American Honda is currently developing new equipment and procedures for testing alternators and starters. Until this equipment is released, please use
the following information.
Do not use the ED-18 for testing alternators because it will misjudge the charging system performance on some models, leading to the unnecessary
replacement of good parts. To properly test alternators, use one of the following tools:
^
OTC Tester - Includes the following testers:
0TC3130, OTC3130AGM, 0TC3131, and
0TC3131 AGM
^
ARBST
^
VAT40
If you do not have one of these tools, the OTC tester is available through the special tool loan program. For more information about the loan program,
refer to S/B 98-051, Special Tool Loan Program.
Honda vehicles use an electronic load detection (ELD) circuit in the charging system to reduce fuel consumption. The alternator has two modes; low
output and high output. When the vehicle is cruising and there is a light electrical load, the alternator switches to the low output mode that produces
about
12.5 V and low amperage. When the vehicle load increases (the customer turns on the headlights, the seat heaters, the rear defroster, etc.), the alternator
switches to the high output mode that raises the voltage and amperage.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION None.
ALTERNATOR TEST
For more information on the OTC tester, refer to its user guide. Besides the one that came with the tool, you can also find the guide online under General
Publications, Tool Information.
1. Question the customer about the events that led up to the problem. Many charging system complaints are caused by leaving the headlights or interior
lights on, headlight flicker, or installing aftermarket accessories with a high parasitic draw that drains the battery.
2. Visually inspect the battery cables and grounding straps to confirm the connections are clean and tight. If there are any damaged parts or loose
connections, repair them as needed.
3. Test the vehicle battery with the GR-8. Refer to S/B 88-023, Battery Testing and Replacement.
4. Connect the OTC tester to the vehicle:
^
Connect the negative (-) heavy load lead to the negative battery terminal.
^
Connect the positive (+) heavy load lead to the positive battery terminal.
5. Calibrate the OTC tester by holding the amp probe away from any conductors, and pressing the ZERO AMPS button.
6. Connect the amp probe to the vehicle's negative battery cable. Make sure the arrow on the probe points toward the vehicle's battery.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has a second battery negative cable, make sure the probe is around that as well.
