CHARGING SYSTEM ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

CAUTION:

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.


  1. CHECK BATTERY CONDITION


    1. Check the battery for damage and deformation. If severe damage, deformation or leakage is found, replace the battery.

    2. Check the electrolyte quantity of each cell.


      1. For batteries that are maintenance-free:

        If the electrolyte quantity is below the recommended amount, replace the battery.

      2. For batteries that are not maintenance-free:

        If the electrolyte quantity is below the recommended amount, add distilled water.

  2. CHECK BATTERY TERMINALS, FUSIBLE LINK AND FUSES


    1. Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.

      If the terminals are corroded, clean the terminals.

    2. Check the fusible link, H-fuses and fuses for resistances of below 1 Ω.

      If the fusible link or fuses are not as specified, replace as necessary.

  3. INSPECT DRIVE BELT


    1. A0137SCE01

      Check the belt for wear, cracks and other signs of damage.

      If any defect is found, replace the drive belt.

      Tech Tips


      • If the belt has worn out until the wire can be seen.

      • If the cracks reach the wire in more than one place.

      • If the belt has chunks missing from the ribs.

    2. A0138ANE01

      Check that the belt fits properly in the ribbed grooves.

      Tech Tips

      With your hand, confirm that the belt has not slipped out of the groove on the bottom of the pulley.

  4. VISUALLY CHECK GENERATOR WIRING


    1. Check that the wiring is in good condition.

  5. LISTEN FOR ABNORMAL NOISES FROM GENERATOR


    1. Check that there is no abnormal noise from the generator while the engine is running.

  6. INSPECT CHARGE WARNING LIGHT CIRCUIT


    1. Turn the ignition switch on. Check that the charge warning light turns on.

    2. Start the engine and check that the light turns off.

      If the light does not operate as specified, troubleshoot the charge warning light circuit.

  7. INSPECT CHARGING CIRCUIT WITHOUT LOAD

    Tech Tips

    If the battery/generator tester is available, connect the tester to the charging circuit referring to the manufacturer's instructions.


    1. A0136ICE01

      If a tester is not available, connect a voltmeter and ammeter to the charging circuit as follows.


      1. Disconnect the wire from terminal B of the generator and connect it to the negative (-) lead of the ammeter.

      2. Connect the ammeter's positive (+) lead to terminal B of the generator.

      3. Connect the voltmeter's positive (+) lead to terminal B of the generator.

      4. Ground the voltmeter's negative (-) lead.

    2. Check the charging circuit.


      1. Keep the engine speed at 2,000 rpm. Check the reading on the ammeter and voltmeter.

        Standard amperage
        10 A or less
        Standard voltage
        13.25 to 15.25 V
        If the result is not as specified, replace the generator.

  8. INSPECT CHARGING CIRCUIT WITH LOAD


    1. With the engine running at 2,000 rpm, turn on the high beam headlights and turn the heater blower switch to the HI position.

    2. Check the reading on the ammeter.

      Standard amperage
      30 A or more

      Tech Tips


      • If the ammeter reading is less than the standard amperage, repair the generator.

      • If the battery is fully charged, the ammeter reading may be less than the standard amperage.