Fiat Bravo Quiz
Electrical system

Check Alternator Charging Voltage

In this manual: Electrical system
Dear Reader — 1Engine — 35Engine lubrication — 3Engine cooling — 10Ignition/spark plugs — 14Fuel system — 10Petrol fuel injection — 13Diesel injection system — 13Exhaust system — 7Clutch — 7Transmission / Gearshift / Automatic Transmission — 5Front Axle — 11Rear axle — 4Steering — 9Wheel alignment — 1Brake system — 22Wheels and tyres — 10Body — 34Heating — 6Electrical system — 39Lighting system — 14Instruments — 7Windscreen wiper system — 8Vehicle care / tools — 6Jump Starting / Towing the Vehicle — 3Jacking up the vehicle — 1Fiat Bravo / Brava Maintenance Schedule — 1Maintenance — 38Wiring diagrams — 5
~1min read

  • Connect a voltmeter between the positive and negative terminals of the battery.

  • Start engine. Voltage must not drop below 9.5 volts during the starting process.

  • Switch on high beam.

  • At an engine speed of 3,000 rpm, the voltage should be 14 - 15 volts. This proves that the alternator and regulator are working.

If the alternator charging voltage is too low:

  • Check electrical connections on the alternator for secure fit and good contact. To do so, unscrew the electrical leads and visually inspect the contact surfaces. Bolt cable lugs on with washers.

  • Check all connections of the thick B+ cable from the alternator to the positive battery terminal for secure fit and good contact.

  • Check the battery negative cable connection to the body for secure fit and good contact. If necessary, remove corrosion.

  • Check the connecting cable at the battery for secure fit and good contact.

  • If no fault is found, check the brushes or overhaul the alternator (workshop job).

Test yourself

A quick Fiat Bravo quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.