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Home › Honda › 2003 › Element DX, 2.4 YH2, Automatic › Repair and Diagnosis › Electrical › Charging Systems › Charging System › Alternator and Regulator Circuit Troubleshooting

Alternator and Regulator Circuit Troubleshooting

  1. Make sure the battery connections are good, and the battery is sufficiently charged (see BATTERY TEST ).
  2. Connect a VAT-40 (or equivalent tester), and turn the selector switch to position 1 (starting).
    Fig 1: Connecting VAT-40 (Or Equivalent Tester), And Turn Selector Switch To Position
    G03677020Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  3. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 RPM, without load until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
  4. Raise the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there.

    Is the voltage over 15.1 V? 

    1. YES -  Replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ), or the rear housing assembly.
    2. NO -  Go to step  5.
  5. Release the accelerator pedal, and let the engine idle.
  6. Make sure all accessories are turned off. Turn the selector switch to position 2 (charging).
  7. Remove the inductive pickup, and zero the ammeter.
  8. Place the inductive pickup over the B terminal wire of the alternator so the arrow points away from the alternator.
  9. Raise the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there.

    Is the voltage less than 13.5 V? 

    1. YES -  Go to alternator control circuit troubleshooting (see ALTERNATOR CONTROL CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
    2. NO -  Go to step  10.
  10. Apply a load with the VAT-40 until the battery voltage drops within 12-13.5 V.

    Is the amperage 60 A or more? 

    1. YES -  The charging system is OK.
      NOTE: If the charging system indicator is still on, replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ) or the rear housing assembly.
    2. NO -  Replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ), or repair the alternator (see ALTERNATOR OVERHAUL ).
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