How To Test The Alternator (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera)

TEST 3: Making Sure The ALT Fuse Is Not Blown

In this last test section, we'll check that the alternator (ALT) fuse is OK and delivering 10 to 12 Volts to the alternator's field coil.

The female terminal delivering the voltage from the alternator fuse is the one labeled with the letter F in the illustration above.

We'll confirm the presence of these 10 to 12 Volts DC with a simple multimeter voltage test.

NOTE: The alternator fuse is located in the instrument panel fuse box, and depending on your vehicle's model year, it'll be called by a different name:

• 1993 2.2L Buick Century: FAN/ELEC Fuse.
• 1994-1996 2.2L Buick Century: FAN/ALT Fuse.

• 1993 2.2L Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera: FAN/ELEC Fuse.
• 1994-1995 2.2L 2.2L Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera: FAN/ALT Fuse.
• 1996 2.2L 2.2L Oldsmobile Ciera: FAN/ALT Fuse.

These are the test steps:

1. 1

   Reconnect the negative (-) battery cable to the battery's negative (-) post.

2. 2

   Disconnect the 3 wire pigtail connector from the alternator.

3. 3

   Connect the black multimeter test lead to the battery negative (-) terminal.
   
   IMPORTANT: The multimeter test lead must connect to a clean spot on the battery's negative (-) terminal

4. 4

   Connect the red multimeter test lead to the female terminal labeled with the letter F of the alternator's 3-wire pigtail connector (see the illustration above).

5. 5

   Have your helper turn the key to the ON position (RUN position) but ask him NOT to crank the engine.

6. 6

   Your multimeter should register 10 to 12 Volts DC.

Let's analyze your test result:

CASE 1: The multimeter registered 10 to 12 Volts DC. This is the correct and expected test result and confirms the alternator fuse is OK.

You can conclude the alternator is bad if you have:

• Confirmed the battery's voltage is below 12.5 Volts DC and continues to fall as the engine runs (TEST 1).
• Confirmed the inline fusible link that protect the alternator's output wire is not blown (TEST 2).
• In this test section, you've confirmed the alternator fuse is OK.

CASE 2: The multimeter DID NOT register 10 to 12 Volts DC. Replace the ALT fuse with a fuse of the same rating and repeat TEST 1.

If the alternator still does not charge the battery, you can conclude it's bad (and needs replacement) if you have:

• Confirmed the battery's voltage is below 12.5 Volts DC as the engine runs (TEST 1).
• Confirmed all fuses (inline fusible link and ALT fuse) are OK (TEST 2, TEST 3).

More 2.2L Buick Century And Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Test Tutorials

If this tutorial was helpful, be sure and take a look at all of the 2.2L Buick Century and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera diagnostic tutorials in this index:

• GM 2.2L Index Of Articles.

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find there:

• How To Test The Fuel Pump (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera).
• How To Test The TPS (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera).
• How To Test Engine Compression (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera).
• How To Test The MAP Sensor (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera).