CHARGING SYSTEM ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

PROCEDURE


  1. CHECK BATTERY CONDITION

    Note

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


    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.

      Tech Tips

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

      For maintenance-free batteries:


      • 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.

      For non-maintenance-free batteries:


      • If the electrolyte quantity 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 to 1.29 at 20°C (68°F)

      • 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. A01XM1L

      Check the battery voltage.


      1. Turn the engine 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 voltage is not as specified, charge the battery.

  2. CHECK BATTERY TERMINAL AND FUSE


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

      Torque:
      Positive (+) battery terminal
      5.4 N*m  { 55 kgf*cm, 48 in.*lbf }
      Negative (-) battery terminal
      5.4 N*m  { 55 kgf*cm, 48 in.*lbf }

      • If the terminals are corroded, clean the terminals.

    2. Measure the resistance of the H-fuses and fuses.

      Standard resistance
      Below 1 Ω

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

  3. CHECK DRIVE 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 NOISES FROM GENERATOR


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

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

  6. CHECK CHARGE WARNING LIGHT CIRCUIT


    1. Turn the engine switch on (IG). 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. CHECK CHARGING CIRCUIT WITHOUT LOAD

    A01XDI2E04
    Text in Illustration
    *a Disconnect Wire from Terminal B

    1. Connect a voltmeter and ammeter to the charging circuit as follows.


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

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

      3. Connect the positive (+) lead of a voltmeter to the positive (+) terminal of the battery.

      4. Ground the negative (-) lead of the voltmeter.

    2. Check the charging circuit.


      1. Maintain the engine speed at 2000 rpm. Check the reading on the ammeter and voltmeter.

        Standard current
        10 A or less
        Standard voltage
        13.2 to 14.8 V

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

        Tech Tips

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

  8. CHECK CHARGING CIRCUIT WITH LOAD


    1. With the engine running at 2000 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 current
      30 A or higher

      • If the ammeter reading is below the standard current, repair the generator.

      Tech Tips

      If the battery is fully charged, the ammeter reading may be below the standard current. In this case, increase the electrical load by operating electrical equipment such as the wiper motor and rear window defogger. Then, recheck the reading of the ammeter.