QuestionI replaced the alternator, battery, and belt on my girlfriends 97 tiburon recently. After installation i checked the voltage to the battery with a fluke meter and it read somewhere around 14 volts. since then, the battery and brake idiot lights on the dash will fluctuate together getting brighter then barely visible while driving. I don't notice any variation while the car is parked only in motion. could the new alternator be surging too much power or what the @#%#! I checked the tension on the new belt and it seemed ok. Your advice would be much appreciated
Answer SERVICE MANUAL
Applies to: Accent 2000-2002
GROUP
Engine Electrical System Charging System
OUTPUT CURRENT TEST
This test determines if the generator gives an output current that is equivalent to the nominal output.
PREPARATION
Prior to the test, check the following items and correct as necessary.
Check that the battery installed in the vehicle is in good condition. For details, see underBATTERY.
NOTE
The battery that is used to test the output current should be one that has been partially discharged. With a fully charged battery, the test may not be conducted correctly due to an insufficient load.
Check the tension of the generator drive belt. See "COOLING".
Turn the ignition switch toOFF.
Disconnect the battery ground cable.
Disconnect the generator output wire from the generator "B" terminal.
Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 100A) in series between the "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. Be sure to connect the (-) lead wire of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire.
NOTE
Tighten each connection securely, as a heavy current will flow. Do not rely on clips.
Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20V) between the "B" terminal and ground. Connect the (+) lead wire to the generator "B" terminal and (-) lead wire to a good ground.
Attach an engine tachometer and connect the battery ground cable.
Leave the engine hood open.
TEST
Check to see that the voltmeter reads the same value as the battery voltage. If the voltmeter reads 0V, open circuit in the wire between the generator "B" terminal and battery (-) terminal, a blown fusible link or poor ground is suspected.
Start the engine and turn on the headlights.
Set the headlights to high beam and the heater blower switch to HIGH, quickly increase the engine speed to 2,500 rpm and read the maximum output current value indicated by the ammeter.
NOTE
After the engine starts up, the charging current quickly drops. Therefore, the above operation must be done quickly to read the maximum current value correctly.
RESULT
The ammeter reading must be higher than the limit value. If it is lower but the generator output wire is in good condition, remove the generator from the vehicle and test it.
Limit value
56A min. : 80A generator
NOTE
The nominal output current value is shown on the nameplate affixed to the generator body.
The output current value changes with the electrical load and the temperature of the generator itself. Therefore, the nominal output current may not be obtained. In such is the case, keep the headlights on to discharge of the battery, or use the lights of another vehicle to increase the electrical load. The nominal output current may not be obtained if the temperature of the generator itself or ambient temperature is too high. In such a case, reduce the temperature before testing again.
Upon completion of the output current test, lower the engine speed to idle and turn off the ignition switch.
Disconnect the battery ground cable.
Remove the ammeter and voltmeter and the engine tachometer.
Connect the generator output wire to the generator "B" terminal.
Connect the battery ground cable.
