Leakage test
Caution: Always connect an ammeter in series, never in parallel with the battery, otherwise it will be damaged. Do not turn the ignition ON or operate the starter motor when the ammeter is connected - a sudden surge in current will blow the meter's fuse.
2. Turn the ignition switch OFF and disconnect the lead from the battery negative (-) terminal (see Section 3).
3. Set the multimeter to the Amps function and connect its negative (-) probe to the battery negative (-) terminal, and positive (+) probe to the disconnected negative (-) lead (see illustration) Always set the meter to a high amps range initially and then bring it down to the mA (milli Amps) range; if there is a high current flow in the circuit it may blow the meter's fuse.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/honda/19/126127.jpg)
31.3. Checking the charging system leakage rate - connect the meter as shown
4. If the current leakage indicated exceeds the amount specified at the beginning of the Chapter, there is probably a short circuit in the wiring. Use the wiring diagrams at the end of this book and systematically disconnect individual electrical components until the source is identified.
If an alarm system has been fitted, note that its current draw should be taken into account when measuring current leakage.
5. Disconnect the meter and connect the negative (-) lead to the battery, tightening it securely,
Output test
6. Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
7. To check the voltage output, allow the engine to idle and connect a multimeter set to the 0-20 volts DC scale (voltmeter) across the terminals of the battery (positive (+) lead to battery positive (+) terminal, negative (-) lead to battery negative (-) terminal). Slowly increase the engine speed to 5000 rpm and note the reading obtained. The regulated voltage should be as specified at the beginning of the Chapter. If the voltage is outside these limits, check the alternator and the regulator (see Sections 32 and 33).
Clues to a faulty regulator are constantly blowing bulbs, with brightness varying considerably with engine speed, and battery overheating.