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.
2000 Saturn SW2 AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Carbon Pile Load Generator Test
- Ensure fusible link between starter and generator is okay. Blown fusible link may be caused by an internal generator failure. Ensure no external arcing or shorting of fusible link with other wires and/or components is present. If no external problems are found, replace generator and fusible link. Go to next step.
- Install carbon pile load tester and voltmeter across battery terminals. Connect clamp-on ammeter to one battery cable. If connecting to positive battery cable, easiest place to connect inductive pick-up is in front of brake master cylinder. Start engine and increase engine speed to 2000 RPM. Ensure all accessories are off. Go to next step.
- With engine at 2000 RPM, observe voltmeter. If voltage is uncontrolled or is greater than 15.5 volts, generator is bad. Replace generator. See GENERATOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If voltage is 13.0-15.5 volts, turn carbon pile load tester on.
- While maintaining engine speed at 2000 RPM, adjust carbon pile tester to obtain a maximum current reading on ammeter. DO NOT allow voltage to fall to less than 13 volts. If generator output current is within specification, generator is good. See GENERATOR OUTPUT CURRENT table.
GENERATOR OUTPUT CURRENT
| Specification | Output Current (Amps) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81°F (27°C) (1) | |||||
| Engine Speed (RPM) | |||||
| 750 | 33 | ||||
| 1000 | 50 | ||||
| 1250 | 65 | ||||
| 221°F (105°C) (1) | |||||
| Engine Speed (RPM) | |||||
| 750 | 20 | ||||
| 1000 | 35 | ||||
| 1250 | 47 | ||||
|
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Factory Service Tools
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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.
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