CHARGING SYSTEM ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

CAUTION / NOTICE / HINT

Note

If the battery is weak or if the engine is difficult to start, perform the following procedures.

PROCEDURE


  1. CHECK BATTERY CONDITION


    1. Check the battery for damage, deformation and leakage.

      If damage, deformation or leakage is found, replace the battery.

    2. Check the electrolyte quantity of each cell.

      Tech Tips

      Before checking the battery voltage, turn off all the electrical systems (headlights, blower motor, rear defogger, etc.).


      • If the electrolyte quantity is below the lower line, replace the battery.

      • If the electrolyte quantity is above the lower line, check the battery voltage when cranking the engine. If the voltage is below 9.6 V, recharge or replace the battery.

    3. Check the voltage.


      1. Turn the ignition switch off and turn on the headlights for 20 to 30 seconds. This will remove the surface charge from the battery.

      2. Measure the voltage according to the value(s) in the table below.

        Standard Voltage
        Tester Connection Condition Specified Condition
        Positive (+) terminal - Negative (-) terminal 20°C (68°F) 12.5 to 12.9 V

        If the result is not as specified, charge the battery.

  2. CHECK BATTERY TERMINAL AND FUSE


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

      If the terminals are corroded, clean the terminals.

      Torque:
      Positive (+) terminal*1
      13 N*m  { 130 kgf*cm, 9 ft.*lbf }
      Positive (+) terminal*2
      7.6 N*m  { 77 kgf*cm, 67 in.*lbf }
      Negative (-) terminal*1
      13 N*m  { 130 kgf*cm, 9 ft.*lbf }
      Negative (-) terminal*2
      7.6 N*m  { 77 kgf*cm, 67 in.*lbf }

      • *1: w/ Spring Washer

      • *2: w/o Spring Washer

    2. Measure the resistance of the charging fuses.

      Standard resistance
      Below 1 Ω

      Tech Tips

      For fuse locations, refer to Parts Location Click here.

      If the result is not as specified, replace the fuse.

  3. CHECK V-RIBBED BELT

    Click here

  4. VISUALLY CHECK GENERATOR WIRING


    1. Check that the wiring is in good condition.

      If the wiring is damaged, repair or replace the generator wire.

  5. LISTEN FOR ABNORMAL NOISE FROM GENERATOR


    1. Check that the generator does not emit any abnormal noise while the engine is running.

      If there is abnormal noise, replace the pulley or generator.

  6. CHECK CHARGING CIRCUIT WITHOUT LOAD


    1. A0057W9E04
      *1 Disconnect wire from terminal B

      Check the charging circuit.


      1. Put the vehicle in a no-load test condition and run the engine at 2000 rpm. Using a voltmeter and ammeter, measure the battery voltage and current.

        Standard current
        10 A or higher
        Standard voltage
        12.1 to 15.4 V

        If the result is not as specified, replace the generator.

        Tech Tips

        If the battery is not fully charged, the ammeter reading will sometimes be more than the standard current.

  7. CHECK CHARGING CIRCUIT WITH LOAD


    1. Put the vehicle in a load test condition (set the headlights to high beam and set the heater blower switch to Hi) and run the engine at 2000 rpm. Using an ammeter, measure the current.

    2. Check the reading on the ammeter.

      Standard current
      30 A or higher

      If the ammeter reading is below the standard current, replace the generator.

      Tech Tips


      • If the ammeter reading is below the standard current even though the battery is fully charged, the load is not sufficient. Therefore, operate the wiper motor, rear window defogger, etc. to increase the load, and perform the measurement again.

      • If the battery is fully charged, the ammeter reading will sometimes be below the standard current.

  8. CHECK CHARGING CONTROL SYSTEM


    1. Inspect the wire harness.


      1. Disconnect the B53 ECM connector.

      2. Disconnect the B50 generator assembly connector.

        Standard Resistance
        Tester Connection Condition Specified Condition
        B53-61 (LIN) - B50-2 (LIN) Always Below 1 Ω
        B53-61 (LIN) or B50-2 (LIN) - Body ground Ignition switch off (while LIN communication is stopped) 10 kΩ or higher