Mirage L4-1468cc 1.5L SOHC 12 Valve (1996)
Voltage Regulator: Testing and Inspection
Regulated Voltage Test
This test determines whether the voltage regulator is correctly controlling the generator output voltage.
1. Always be sure to check the following before the test.
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Generator installation
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Check to be sure that the battery installed in the vehicle is fully charged. See: Battery
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Generator drive belt tension
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Fusible link
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Abnormal noise from the generator while the engine is running
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Connect a digital-type voltmeter between the generator "S" terminal and the ground. (Connect the (+) lead of the voltmeter to the "S" terminal, and
then connect the (-) lead of the voltmeter to a secure ground or to the battery (-) terminal.)
5. Disconnect the generator output wire from the generator "B" terminal.
6. Connect a DC test ammeter with a range of 0 - 100 A in series between the "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. (Connect the(+) lead of
the ammeter to the "B" terminal, and then connect the (-) lead of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire.)
7. Connect a tachometer.
8. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
9. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and check that the reading on the voltmeter is equal to the battery voltage.
NOTE: If the voltage is 0 V, the cause is probably an open circuit in the wire or fusible link between the generator "S" terminal and the battery
(+) terminal.
10. Check to be sure that all lights and accessories are off.
11. Start the engine.
12. Increase the engine speed to 2,500 r/min.
13. Read the value displayed on the voltmeter when the current output by the generator becomes 10 A or less.
Voltage Regulation Table
14. If the voltage reading conforms to the value in the voltage regulation table, then the voltage regulator is operating normally.
If the voltage is outside the standard value, there is a malfunction of the voltage regulator or of the generator.
15. After the test, lower the engine speed to the idle speed.
16. Turn the ignition switch to the "OFF" position.
17. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
18. Disconnect the ammeter, voltmeter and tachometer
19. Connect the generator output wire to the generator "B" terminal.
20. Connect the negative battery cable.
