Crown Victoria V8-4.6L SOHC VIN 6 (1996)
Charging System: Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Alternator No-Load Test
NOTE: Prior to testing, turn headlamps ON for 10-15 seconds to remove battery surface charge. Wait until voltage stabilizes before performing test.
1. Connect Rotunda 88 Digital Multimeter 105-00053, or equivalent.
2. Connect Rotunda 73 Digital Multimeter 105-00051, or equivalent, across battery terminals and record base voltage.
3. Start engine and run at 1500 RPM with no electrical load.
4. Voltage should be 14.1-14.7 volts.
5. If voltage increases, but increase is less than 2.5 volts, perform Load Test. See: Load Test
6. If voltage does not increase, or increases more than 2.5 volts, perform Output Test. See: Output Test
Load Test
1. With engine running, turn headlamps ON and blower motor to HIGH. If equipped, turn air conditioning ON.
2. Increase engine speed to 2000 RPM.
3. Voltage should increase at least 0.5 volts above base voltage.
4. If voltage does not increase as specified, perform Output Test. See: Output Test
With VAT-40 Tester
1. Connect Rotunda Starting and Charging Tester VAT-40 078-00005, or equivalent, to vehicle and turn all accessories OFF.
2. Turn ignition switch to ON position and read discharge rate on ammeter.
3. Start engine and run at 1500-2000 RPM.
4. Slowly increase load control knob until highest amp reading is obtained, then turn load control knob OFF.
5. Add discharge rate to highest amp reading for total alternator output.
6. Alternator is functioning properly if total alternator output is more than minimum specified. See: Specifications
7. If amperage is below specifications, refer to Pinpoint Tests. See: Pinpoint Tests
With ARBST Tester
1. Switch Alternator, Regulator, Battery and Starter Tester (ARBST) 010-00725, or equivalent, to ammeter function, then connect positive and
negative leads to battery.
2. Connect current probe to alternator "B+" output lead.
3. With engine running at 2000 RPM, adjust ARBST load bank to determine alternator output.
4. Alternator is functioning properly if total alternator output is more than minimum specified. See: Specifications
Voltage Test
NOTE: Battery voltage must be greater than 12.4 volts to perform this test.
1. Connect Rotunda VAT-40 078-00005, or Alternator, Regulator, Battery and Starter Tester (ARBST) 010-00725, or equivalent, leads to vehicle
and switch to voltmeter function.
2. Connect voltmeter positive lead to alternator "B+" terminal and negative lead to ground.
3. Turn all electrical loads OFF.
4. Check alternator output with engine running at 2000 RPM. Voltage should be 13-15 volts.
