Alternator Ripple Testing: The Ghost in the Machine
Excessive ripple voltage can cause communication issues with networks and communication DTCs in multiple modules. Here’s what you need to know.
Alternator Testing Tips — One Test Is Not Enough
All too often, the alternator is condemned by technicians due to a battery voltage test alone. However, there are many circumstances to consider before dooming the part to the recycling bin.
Alternator Testing: Diagnostics are Getting More Complicated
One test is not enough if you are diagnosing a charging system problem. All too often, the alternator is condemned as the source of the problem if only battery voltage is present with the engine running. If this is the case, it means that the alternator is not charging, but does not reveal why.
The Importance of Testing Batteries With a Scope
If you learned the old load ‘em to 9.6 volts way, or you are using an electronic testing system, you are not getting the full and necessary picture.
Scoping and Interpreting Secondary Ignition Waveforms
The secret to being able to capture and analyze secondary ignition waveforms is understanding what is happening in the coil and at the spark plug, and how the scope measures and graphs the voltages and ignition event.
