General Information
Often when problems with the charging system are being investigated, the alternator is not the problem. If a low battery condition is present, test the batteries first. See Special Instruction, SEHS7633, "Battery Test Procedure" for more information. If the engine cranks slowly, then test the starting system. See Service Magazine, SEPD0020, "Testing The Starter On The Engine" for more information. If a warning indicator for the charging system is ON, see Service Magazine, SEBD1751, "Difference Between Alternator Indicator In Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) And Low Voltage Indicator In Operating Monitoring System (OMS)". When a problem with the charging system is suspected, then complete the testing that is outlined in this Special Instruction.
See Troubleshooting, "Initial Troubleshooting Procedure" in order to begin troubleshooting. These procedures are designed to guide you to the problem with as little testing as possible. In most cases, you will only use a few of the tests to diagnose a problem. The tests are labelled as T1 - T8 for easy reference. A descriptive title for each test is included as well.
Caterpillar Information System:
Air Conditioning and Heating R134a for All Caterpillar Machines Evaporator Coil
3612 and 3616 Engines Auxiliary Water Pump - Disassemble
G3304 and G3306 Engines Gas Engine Ignition
SR500 Generators Voltage Regulators
3126B Marine Engine Overspeed
3406E and 3456 Generator Set Engines Engine Valve Lash - Inspect/Adjust
C27 and C32 Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Aftercooler - Test
Customer Communication Module (CCM) for Diesel Engines Parameter Identifiers for EMCP II
3406E and 3456 Generator Set Engines Turbocharger - Inspect
3126B Marine Engine Engine Oil Pressure Sensor
3126B Marine Engine Coolant Level Sensor - If Equipped
Air Conditioning and Heating R134a for All Caterpillar Machines Refrigerant Condenser
30SI Series and 34SI Series Alternator Initial Troubleshooting Procedure
30SI Series and 34SI Series Alternator Component Description
30SI Series and 34SI Series Alternator Component - Test
30SI Series and 34SI Series Alternator Alternator - Disassemble
30SI Series and 34SI Series Alternator Alternator - Assemble
G3304 and G3306 Engines Governor Linkage - Mechanical Adjustment For Naturally Aspirated Engines
3500B Engines Engine Oil Scavenge Pump
G3304 and G3306 Engines Governor Linkage - Woodward PSG Governor For Naturally Aspirated Engine
C15 and C18 Petroleum Generator Sets Power Factor - Check
G3304 and G3306 Engines Water Temperature Indicator
C15 and C18 Petroleum Generator Sets Rotating Rectifier - Check
G3304 and G3306 Engines Pressure Gauge - Engine Oil