Grove Published 11-10-2014, Control # 524-00 3-11
RT880E SERVICE MANUAL ELECTRIC SYSTEM
Alternator/Charging System
Troubleshooting
Anytime there is a problem with the charging system the
batteries, alternator and cables should be tested.
Required Tools
The following is a list of tools needed to diagnose the
charging system:
Visual Check
• Belts: tight, in good condition, not frayed, cracked or
glazed
• Pulley: tight, aligned with other pulleys, not glazed
• Alternator mounting bolts and wiring connections: clean
and tight, no signs of heat damage
• Batteries: terminals and cables, clean and tight, no
corrosion or signs of heat damage.
• If alternator charge lamp is illuminated on steering
column display while engine is running, check alternator
fuse.
Engine Off Tests
Batteries
Disconnect the batteries and test each battery individually.
Check the electrolyte level, if possible
Using the multimeter, measure the voltage across the
terminals. If the voltage is 12.4 V or above, perform the
following load test. If the voltage is lower than 12.4 V,
recharge the battery(s) before performing the load test.
Load Test
1. Refer to the load tester manual for instructions on per-
forming the load test.
2. Connect the load tester to one battery and test.
3. Connect the tester to the second battery and test.
4. Connect the tester to the third battery and test.
Proceed to the next test if the batteries passed the load test.
Replace a battery if it failed the load test.
Voltage at Alternator
Measure voltage from alternator case to output terminal. The
meter should read 12.6V or above.
Battery Drain
With a DC ammeter capable of measuring milliamps, and a
10 amp capability, perform the following test:
1. Make sure the ignition key is off.
2. Set the meter to the 10 amp position.
3. Check for a drain by disconnecting the negative battery
terminals and measuring between the battery post and
the cable with the ammeter.
This reading should not be more than 80 milliamps (.08 ma)
with all accessories OFF. A higher reading indicates
something is draining the batteries and the system must be
troubleshot and repaired.
Engine On Tests
Output Voltage Test
1. Connect multimeter to negative and positive battery ter-
minals.
2. Connect ammeter clamp around output wire of alterna-
tor to the batteries.
3. Start engine and increase speed to 2000 rpm.
With fully charged batteries and no loads on the system, the
multimeter should read 14V.
Maximum Amperage Test
1. Connect an adjustable carbon pile load tester to the bat-
teries’ positive and negative cables.
2. Run engine at 2000 rpm.
3. Adjust carbon pile to obtain maximum amperage while
not letting voltage fall below 13 volts.
4. Amperage should be within 10 to 15 amps of alternator
rating; this alternator is rated at 145A, so the meter
should read 130A to 135A.
Equipment Example
Grove
Part No.
Digital Multimeter Fluke
® 177 9999101763
Carbon Pile Load
Tes te r
Autometer
® SB5 9999101765
Current Clamp Meter Fluke
® 336 9999101764
DANGER
Do not smoke or allow sparks or open flame near
batteries, they can explode.
When working with batteries always wear protective
clothing, gloves and eye protection. Batteries contain
corrosive liquids that can burn skin and eyes and destroy
clothing.
Remove rings, watches or other jewelry before working
with batteries. A battery can produce a short-circuit
current high enough to weld a ring, or the like, to metal
causing severe burns.
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