323 L4-1600 1597cc (1986)
Alternator: Testing and Inspection
Battery Discharges
1.
Inspect output current as follows:
a. Start engine and allow to idle.
b. Turn on all lights and accessories.
c. Disconnect alternator B terminal electrical connector, then connect suitable ammeter between wire and terminal. Use caution not to ground
B terminal.
d. Read meter at engine speed of 2500-3000 RPM. If meter reads 90% or less of idle output on 1986 RX-7 and 1986-87 323, 51 amps or less of
idle output on 1986 626 models or 55 amps or less of idle output on 1987 626 and 1987-88 RX-7, proceed to step 2. If meter reads 90% or
more of idle output on 1986 RX-7 and 1986-87 323, 51 amps or more of idle output on 1986 626 models or 55 amps or more of idle output
on 1987 626 and 1987-88 RX-7, alternator is satisfactory.
2.
Inspect output voltage as follows:
a. Turn all electrical loads off.
b. Disconnect alternator B terminal electrical connector, then connect suitable ammeter between wire and terminal. Use caution not to ground
B terminal.
c. Charge battery until charging rate indication becomes less than 5 amps or replace with new battery.
d. Read meter at engine speed of 2500 RPM. If meter reads less than 5 amps, proceed to step 3. If meter reads more than 5 amps, proceed to
step 2e.
e. Connect alternator B terminal.
f.
Measure L terminal voltage at an engine speed of 2500 RPM. If voltage is 14.4-15 volts at 68° F on all 1986 models, 1987 323 and 1988
RX-7, or 14.2-15.2 volts at 68° F on 1987 626 and RX-7, proceed to step 3. If voltage is less than 14.4-15 volts at 68° F on all 1986 models
and 1987 323, stator coil or diodes are defective. If voltage is less than 14.2 volts or more than 15.2 volts at 68° F on 1987 626 and RX-7, or
less than 14.4 volts or more than 15 volts on 1988 RX-7, check for poor connection at battery terminals, B terminal and 2 prong connector or
for defective stator coil or diodes.
3.
Inspect IC regulator power source as follows:
a. Disconnect alternator terminal R connector.
b. Place ignition switch to On position, then measure R terminal voltage at connector. If battery voltage is present, proceed to step 4. If meter
reads less than battery voltage, check for defective wiring harness.
4.
Inspect rotor coil as follows:
a. Place ignition switch to Off position. Disconnect alternator B terminal connector on all 1986 models and 1987 323 and 1987-88 RX-7.
Disconnect alternator B terminal and L and R connector to alternator.
b. Measure resistance between alternator L and F terminals at alternator. If meter reads 2-2.6 ohms on 1986 323 and 1986-87 RX-7, 3-6 ohms
on 1986-87 626 and 1987 323 or 2-4 ohms on 1988 RX-7, proceed to step 5. If meter reads other than 2-2.6 ohms on 1986 323 and 1986-87
RX-7, 3-6 ohms on 1986-87 626 or 1987 323 or 2-4 ohms on 1988 RX-7, field rotor or slip ring is defective.
5.
Inspect alternator L terminal voltage as follows:
a. Connect alternator B terminal connector on all 1986 models, 1987 323 and 1987-88 RX-7. Connect alternator B terminal and L and R
connector to alternator. On all models, place ignition switch to On position.
b. Measure alternator L terminal voltage. If meter reads 1-3 volts on all 1986 models and 1987 323, stator coil and diodes are defective. If meter
reads 1-3 volts on 1987 626 and 1987-88 RX-7, alternator is satisfactory. If meter reads over 3 volts, IC regulator or field coil is defective.
