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.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1996SPORTVAN VAN PASSENGER EXTENDED, 6.5 YREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 83 (CHARGING SYSTEM)BENCH TESTING (CHARGING SYSTEM)GENERATOR OUTPUT TEST (CHARGING SYSTEM)
1996 Chevrolet Sportvan Van Passenger Extended, 6.5 Y
Generator Output Test (Charging System)
1996 Chevrolet Sportvan Van Passenger Extended, 6.5 YSECTION Generator Output Test (Charging System)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 12 other vehicles, including the 1996 GMC Vandura Special, 1996 GMC Vandura, 1996 GMC Savana Special, 1996 GMC Savana Camper Special, and 1996 GMC Savana. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
Carbon pile testing is part of this procedure. To avoid battery explosion, turn carbon pile OFF before connecting to or disconnecting from test stand battery.
- Mount generator on test stand. Set test stand controls to turn generator clockwise. Ensure ground polarity of generator and battery are the same. Ensure battery is fully charged. Connect voltmeter, ammeter and carbon pile (in OFF position). Connect 30-500 ohm resistor between the battery and terminal "L" of generator. See Fig 1.
- Slowly increase generator speed while observing voltmeter. If output is uncontrolled and increases to greater than 16 volts, rotor field coil is shorted and/or regulator is defective. A shorted rotor field coil can cause regulator failure. Replace or repair generator.
- If voltage is less than 16 volts, increase speed and adjust carbon pile to obtain maximum generator output. Maintain voltage greater than 13 volts. If amp output is within 15 amps of rated output, generator is okay. If amp output is not within 15 amps of rated output, replace or repair the generator. Refer to the GENERATOR USAGE/AMP OUTPUT RATING table.
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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.