CAUTION:
If the battery is weak or if the engine is difficult to start, recharge the battery and perform inspections again.
CHECK BATTERY CONDITION
Check the battery for damage and deformation. If severe damage, deformation, or leakage is found, replace the battery.
Check the electrolyte level of each cell.
For maintenance-free batteries:
If the electrolyte level is below the lower line, replace the battery.
If the electrolyte level is above the lower line, check the battery voltage while cranking the engine.
If the voltage is less than 9.6 V, recharge or replace the battery.
Tech Tips
Before checking battery voltage, turn off all the electrical systems (headlights, blower motor, rear defogger, etc.).
For non-maintenance-free batteries:
If the electrolyte level is below the lower line, add distilled water to each cell. Then, recharge the battery and check the electrolyte gravity.
Standard gravity |
---|
1.25 to 1.29 at 20°C (68°F) |
If the electrolyte level is above the lower line, check battery voltage while cranking the engine. If the voltage is less than 9.6 V, recharge or replace the battery.
Tech Tips
Before checking battery voltage, turn off all the electrical systems (headlights, blower motor, rear defogger, etc.).
CHECK BATTERY TERMINAL AND FUSE
Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
If the terminals are corroded, clean the terminals.
Measure the resistance of the power fuse.
Standard resistance |
---|
Below 1 Ω |
If the result is not as specified, replace the fuse.
CHECK V-RIBBED BELT
Check the belt for wear, cracks or other signs of damage.
If any of the following defects is found, replace the drive belt.
Tech Tips
The belt is worn out, cracked, or the cords are exposed.
The cracks reach the cords in more than one place.
The belt has chunks missing from the ribs.
Check that the belt fits properly in the ribbed grooves.
Tech Tips
Confirm that the belt has not slipped out of the pulley.
VISUALLY CHECK GENERATOR WIRING
Check that the wiring is in good condition.
LISTEN FOR ABNORMAL NOISE FROM GENERATOR
Check that the generator does not emit any abnormal noise while the engine is running.
CHECK CHARGE WARNING LIGHT CIRCUIT
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Check that the charge warning light comes on.
Start the engine and check that the light goes off.
If the light does not go off, troubleshoot the charging system.
CHECK CHARGING CIRCUIT WITHOUT LOAD
Connect a voltmeter and ammeter to the charging circuit as follows:
Disconnect the wire from terminal B of the generator and connect it to the negative (-) lead of the ammeter.
Connect the positive (+) lead of the ammeter to terminal B of the generator.
Connect the positive (+) lead of the voltmeter to the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
Ground the negative (-) lead of the voltmeter.
Check the charging circuit.
Keep the engine speed at 2,000 rpm. Check the readings on the ammeter and voltmeter.
Standard amperage |
---|
10 A or less |
Standard voltage |
---|
13.5 to 15.1 V |
If the results are not as specified, replace the generator.
CHECK CHARGING CIRCUIT WITH LOAD
With the engine running at 2,000 rpm, turn on the high beam headlights and turn the heater blower switch to the HI position.
Check the reading on the ammeter.
Standard amperage |
---|
30 A or more |
If the ammeter reading is less than the standard amperage, replace the generator assembly.
Tech Tips
If the battery is fully charged, the ammeter reading may be less than the standard current. In this case, increase electrical load by operating devices such as the wiper motor and rear window defogger. Then, recheck the reading on the ammeter.