GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Charging System Check

  1. Visually inspect the hydrometer (built into the battery).
  2. • Green Eye -- Battery is charged.
    • Dark Eye -- CHARGE and LOAD TEST, Refer to Battery Load Test .
    • If battery passes load test, refer to Battery is Under Charged or Overcharged System Diagnosis
    • Clear or Yellow Eye -- Battery electrolyte is low. REPLACE the battery.
  3. Check that the Gererator(s) connector(s) and Generator BATTERY connections are clean and tight.
  4. Check the condition of the GAUGES  Fuse 4. If the fuse is open, LOCATE and REPAIR source of overload and REPLACE the fuse.
  5. CHECK that the Battery connections are clean and tight.
  6. CHECK the Fusible Links for opens. If a Fusible Link is open, LOCATE and REPAIR the source of the overload and REPLACE the Fusible Link.
  7. CHECK the condition of the Generator drive belt. REPLACE as per Engine Cooling.
  8. CHECK that Grounds G100, G110, G103 and G300 are clean and tight.
  9. If more than one indicator lamp in the Instrument Cluster is not lighting, than CHECK for an open in the PNK 39 wire to the Instrument Cluster.
  10. • CHECK for a broken or partially broken wire inside the insulation which could cause system malfunction but prove GOOD in a Continuity/Voltage CHECK with a system disconnected. These circuits may be intermittant or resistive when loaded and should be checked by monitoring for a voltage drop with the system operational (under load).
    • CHECK for proper installation of aftermarket electronic equipment which may affect the integrity of other systems (Refer to Trouble Shooting Procedures, in Electrical Diagnosis).