CAUTION / NOTICE / HINT
Note
If the battery is weak or if the engine is difficult to start, recharge the battery and perform inspections again before returning the vehicle to the customer.
PROCEDURE
CHECK BATTERY CONDITION
Check the battery for damage or deformation. If severe damage, deformation or leakage is found, replace the battery.
Check the electrolyte level in 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 when cranking the engine. If the voltage is less than 9.6 V, recharge or replace the battery.
Tech Tips
Before checking the battery voltage, turn off all the electrical systems (headlights, blower motor, rear window 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 specific gravity.
| Standard Specific Gravity |
|---|
| 1.25 or higher at 20°C (68°F) |
If the electrolyte level is above the lower line, check the battery voltage while cranking the engine. If the battery voltage is less than 9.6 V, recharge or replace the battery.
Tech Tips
Before checking the battery voltage, turn off all the electrical systems (headlights, blower motor, rear window defogger, etc.).
Check the voltage.
Turn the ignition switch off and turn on the headlights for 20 to 30 seconds. This will remove the surface charge from the battery.
Measure the battery voltage according to the value(s) in the table below.
| Standard Voltage | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
If the result is not as specified, recharge or replace the battery.
INSPECT BATTERY TERMINAL
Check whether the battery terminals and engine wire harness are loose or corroded.
Check whether the battery state sensor assembly is deformed or cracked.
CHECK FUSES
Measure the resistance of each fuse for the charging system.
Tech Tips
The fuses shown in System Diagram are related to the charging system.
| Standard Resistance |
|---|
| Below 1 Ω |
If the result is not as specified, replace the fuse.
INSPECT FAN AND GENERATOR V BELT
INSPECT GENERATOR ASSEMBLY WIRING
Visually check the generator assembly wiring.
Check that the wiring is in good condition.
CHECK FOR ABNORMAL NOISE
Check for abnormal noises from the generator assembly.
Check that no abnormal noises are heard from the generator assembly while the engine is running.
If noise occurs, refer to Problem Symptoms Table.
INSPECT CHARGING CIRCUIT WITHOUT LOAD
| *1 | Battery |
| *2 | Generator Assembly |
| *a | Terminal B |
Connect a voltmeter and an ammeter to the charging circuit as follows.
Tech Tips
If a battery/generator assembly tester is available, connect the tester to the charging circuit in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Disconnect the wire from terminal B of the generator assembly and connect it to the negative (-) lead of the ammeter.
Connect the ammeter positive (+) lead to terminal B of the generator assembly.
Connect the voltmeter positive (+) lead to terminal B of the generator assembly.
Ground the voltmeter negative (-) lead.
Check the charging circuit.
Maintain the engine speed at 2000 rpm and check the readings on the ammeter and voltmeter.
| Standard Current |
|---|
| 10 A or higher |
| Standard Voltage |
|---|
| 13.2 to 14.8 V |
If the result is not as specified, repair or replace the generator assembly.
INSPECT CHARGING CIRCUIT WITH LOAD
With the engine running at 2000 rpm, turn the high beam headlights on and turn the heater blower switch to the "HI" position.
Check the reading on the ammeter.
| Standard Current |
|---|
| 30 A or higher |
If the result is not as specified, repair or replace the generator assembly.
Tech Tips
If the battery is fully charged, the reading will sometimes be less than the standard. If this is the case, add more electrical load (operate the wipers, rear window defogger, etc.) and check the reading on the ammeter again.
INSPECT CHARGING SYSTEM
Check the harness and connector.
Disconnect the B112 ECM connector.
Disconnect the B111 generator assembly connector.
Disconnect the B114 battery state sensor assembly connector.
Measure the resistance according to the value(s) in the table below.
| Standard Resistance | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
If the result is not as specified, repair or replace the harness or connector.