CHARGING SYSTEM ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION


  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. A01J6B6
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      Check the electrolyte quantity of each cell.

      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 less than 9.6 V, recharge or replace the battery.

      Tech Tips

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

      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's specific gravity.

      Standard electrolyte's 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 less than 9.6 V, recharge or replace the battery.

      Tech Tips

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

  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.

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

      Standard resistance
      Below 1 Ω

      • If the results is not as specified, replace the fuse as necessary.

  3. CHECK DRIVE BELT

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


      • If any defect is found, replace the drive belt.

      Tech Tips

      Replace the drive belt if the following defects are found:


      • The belt is very worn and the wire can be seen.

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

      • The belt has chunks missing from the ribs.

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      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 grooves 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. CHECK CHARGE WARNING LIGHT CIRCUIT


    1. Turn the ignition switch to 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. CHECK CHARGING CIRCUIT WITHOUT LOAD

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

      Tech Tips

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


      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 the positive (+) battery terminal.

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

    2. Check the charging circuit.


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

        Standard amperage
        10 A or less
        Standard voltage
        13.2 to 14.8 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 higher than the standard amperage.

  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 amperage
      30 A or higher

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

      Tech Tips

      If the battery is fully charged, the ammeter reading may be less than the standard amperage. If this is the case, add more electrical load (operate the wipers, rear window defogger, etc.) and check the reading on the ammeter again.