freightliner Argosy COE - 15-01 Alternator, Battery, and Starter Connections Check

15–01 Alternator, Battery, and
Starter Connections
Check
WARNING
Batteries release explosive gas as a by-product of
their chemical activity. Do not smoke when work-
ing around batteries. Put out all flames and re-
move any source of sparks or intense heat. Make
sure the battery compartment is completely
vented before disconnecting or connecting the
battery cables.
Battery acid is extremely harmful if splashed in
the eyes or on the skin. Always wear a face shield
and protective clothing when working around
batteries.
WARNING
Damaged, chafed, or kinked wiring can cause
electrical short-circuits and lead to fires, causing
property damage, injury, or death. Clean, inspect,
and maintain wiring and connections carefully.
1. Check the tightness of the alternator bracket fas-
teners, and tighten them as necessary. For
torque values, see Group 15 of the
Century
Class Trucks Workshop Manual
.
2. See Group 01 for belt tension specifications.
Check the alternator drive belt tension, using a
tension gauge at the belt’s longest span. Some
engines are equipped with more than one alter-
nator belt; check all of them for correct tension.
Adjust the belt tension if necessary.
Engines equipped with a serpentine or poly-V
belt have automatic belt tensioners, and do not
require belt tension inspection.
3. Check that all electrical connections at the alter-
nator and starter are clean. Clean and tighten all
charging system electrical connections including
the connections at the starter B terminal and
ground terminal, and where the alternator charg-
ing cable terminates.
Trace and inspect all wiring and cables con-
nected to:
• The alternator
• Starter and depopulation studs
• Batteries
• Magnetic switch
• Cab
• Jump-start studs
• Battery isolation relays
• Battery shutoff switches
4. Check wires and cables for wear, chafing, kinks,
discolored insulation, or loose clamps or ties.
Find the cause of any problems and repair, re-
place, and reroute wires and clamps as neces-
sary.
5. Check the alternator wiring for missing insulation,
kinks, and heat damage. Replace or repair as
needed.
6. On the bundled cable running from the batteries
to the starter, ensure that tie straps are installed
at least every 12 inches (300 mm). Replace any
missing tie straps, and add tie straps where
spacing between them exceeds 12 inches (300
mm).
7. Ensure that all cables have sufficient slack to
allow for engine movement, and that there is no
pressure on any wiring connectors.
8. If any convoluted tubing is damaged, check the
wiring inside it. Replace any damaged or missing
convoluted tubing.
9. Clean the cable connector terminals with a wire
brush. See Group 54 of the
Century Class
Trucks Workshop Manual
for troubleshooting in-
structions, and for adjustment, repair, or replace-
ment instructions.
9.1 Clean and tighten the battery ground
cable, terminal, and clamps.
9.2 Inspect the retainer assembly (or battery
hold-downs) and the battery box. Replace
worn or damaged parts. Remove any cor-
rosion with a wire brush, and wash with a
weak solution of baking soda and water.
Rinse with clean water and dry. To pre-
vent rusting, paint the retainer assembly.
9.3 Check for and remove any foreign objects
such as stones, bolts, or nuts, from the
battery box.
Alternators and Starters 15
Century Class Trucks Maintenance Manual, January 2006 15/1