When a self-excited alternator's field has lost its residual magnetism due to a prolonged idle period, it will fail to produce a voltage. Flashing the field is the procedure used to restore the residual magnetism. Using a 12 volt storage battery, how is this performed?

Correct Answer: Option D — The F+ and F- leads are disconnected from the alternator field. The F+ lead is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, and the F- lead is connected to the negative terminal.

Flashing a generator field re-establishes residual magnetism by running direct current through the field winding in the correct polarity. The positive battery terminal must connect to the field positive lead (F+) and the negative terminal to the field negative lead (F-).