12.26.8(b) . lack of alternator/generator charge; 

Indications
Insufficient current to charge the battery will show a constant negative reading on a centre-zero ammeter and a zero reading on a left zero ammeter.

Actions
– in a alternator equipped aircraft, cycle the alternator switch to reset the alternator. If this doesnt work after a couple of tries them shut down the alternator and reduce the electrical load.
Insufficient current – switch off unnecessary or non essential electrical equipment

12.26.8(a) . excessive alternator/generator charge rate; 

Indications
Too much current – ammeter indicates an abnormally high positive charge rate

Actions
– battery could overheat and cause a hazard
– if battery is fully charged the pilot can cycle the alternator switch to OFF then back to ON after about 2 seconds to check if the over voltage warning was just a transitory spike.
– if the over voltage continues, shut down the alternator, reduce power usage and land as soon as possible.

12.26.8. Identify the cockpit indications of the following electrical system malfunctions:

12.26.6(g) . switching the battery master switch off before leaving the aircraft. 

– leaving the battery master switch on can drain the battery overnight
– alternator field circuit draws current even if no other switches are on.

12.26.6(f) . switching off ancillary equipment before shut-down; 

– will prevent possible large fluctuations in voltage during shut down from damaging sensitive electronic circuits.
-also a useful precaution which helps ensure that equipment is turned off for start.

12.26.6(e) . checking satisfactory operation of the system after start, and monitoring  during flight; 

– after start-up – the alternator . generator is working satisfactorily if there is an appropriate high charge indicated by the ammeter
– when the battery is fully charged and the alternator is operating the ammeter should show a centre zero reading(centre reading ammeter)
– when the battery is fully charged a left zero ammeter will show a current draw appropriate to the services being used.
– as extra circuits are switched on the ammeter reading may show a slight increase in charge

– during flight
– monitor the ammeter and voltmeter
– some slight fluctuation in the indication is normal
– a large continuous deflection in one direction indicates a malfunction

12.26.6(d) . releasing the starter once the engine is running; 

– always release the starter button or starter key from the START position once the engine is running

12.26.6(c) . avoiding prolonged operation of the starter motor; 

– starter motors draw a large current and place a large strain on the battery
– prolonged operation of the starter motor will flatten the battery.
– overheating of the starter motor can result from excessive prolonged use.

12.26.6(b) . starting with radios and other unnecessary equipment switched off; 

– do not start the engine with radios and other unnecessary equipment switched on
– causes large voltage fluctuations when the starter is engaged and may cause severe damage to sensitive electronic circuits

12.26.6(a) . avoiding continuous operation of high-power systems on the ground before start; 

– do not continuously operate electrical services which require airflow past them for cooling – eg during the pre-flight inspection
– excessive use of electrical services, eg fans, flaps, cabin lights etc , can discharge the battery and possibly make starting difficult.