Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
12 31 009 Checking alternator (BSD)
Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Correct connections on charged battery
- Correct connections on alternator and starter motor
- Good ground connection between engine and body
- Tensioned ribbed V-belt
- Read out DME/DDE fault memory.
The alternator is not connected to the charge telltale light.
The alternator can identify various faults.
BSD alternator can be recognized by the plug connection on the alternator.
Connect diagnosis tester.
- Function selection
- Complete vehicle
- Drive
- Voltage and current regulation
- Voltage and current generation
- Alternator
- Follow instruction in diagnostic program
Oscillogram for a fault-free alternator:
Oscillogram for a faulty alternator:
One phase interrupted.
Repair/exchange alternator.
Interturn fault.
Repair/exchange alternator.
Open circuit in negative diode.
Repair/exchange alternator.
Short circuit in positive diode.
Repair/exchange alternator.
Open circuit in positive diode.
Repair/exchange alternator.
Open circuit in exciter diode.
Repair/exchange alternator.
Assemble engine.
Check function of DME/DDE.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.