CHECK BATTERY CONDITION
CAUTION:
If the battery is weak or if the engine is difficult to start, perform the following procedures.
Check the battery for damage and deformation. If severe damage, deformation, or leakage is found, replace the battery.
Check the electrolyte level of 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 electrical systems (headlights, blower motor, rear 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 gravity.
Standard gravity |
---|
1.25 to 1.29 at 20°C (68°F) |
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 electrical systems (headlights, blower motor, rear defogger, etc.).
CHECK BATTERY TERMINAL AND FUSE
Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
If the terminals are corroded, clean the terminals.
Measure the resistance of the ALT fuse and ALT-S fuse.
Standard resistance |
---|
Below 1 Ω |
If the results are not as specified, replace the fuse.
CHECK V-RIBBED BELT
Check the belt for wear, cracks and other signs of damage.
If any of the following defects is found, replace the drive belt.
The belt is worn and wire is exposed.
The cracks reach the wire in more than one place.
The belt has chunks missing from the ribs.
Check that the belt fits properly in the ribbed grooves.
Tech Tips
Confirm by hand that the belt has not slipped out of the grooves on the bottom of the pulley.
VISUALLY CHECK GENERATOR WIRING
Check that the wiring is in good condition.
LISTEN FOR ABNORMAL NOISE FROM GENERATOR
Check that the generator does not emit any abnormal noise while the engine is running.
CHECK CHARGE WARNING LIGHT CIRCUIT
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Check that the charge warning light comes on.
Start the engine and check that the light goes off. If the light does not operate as specified, troubleshoot the charge warning light circuit.
CHECK CHARGING CIRCUIT WITHOUT LOAD
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.
Disconnect the wire from terminal B of the generator and connect it to the negative (-) lead of the ammeter.
Connect the positive (+) lead of the ammeter to terminal B of the generator.
Connect the positive (+) lead of the voltmeter to the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
Ground the negative (-) lead of the voltmeter.
Check the charging circuit.
Keep the engine speed at 2,000 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 results are not as specified, replace the generator.
Tech Tips
If the battery is not fully charged, the ammeter reading may be more than the standard current.
CHECK CHARGING CIRCUIT WITH LOAD
With the engine running at 2,000 rpm, turn on the high beam headlights and turn the heater blower switch to the HI position.
Check the reading on the ammeter.
Standard current |
---|
30 A or more |
If the ammeter reading is less than the standard current, replace the generator.
Tech Tips
If the battery is fully charged, the ammeter reading may be less than the standard current.
In this case, increase electrical load by operating electrical equipment such as the wiper motor and rear window defogger. Then, recheck the reading on the ammeter.
MATRIX FOR EACH PROBLEM SYMPTOM
Confirm problem symptom.
Confirm the problem symptom and perform inspection by following the corresponding chart.
Result | Proceed to |
---|---|
Problem in charging system (battery is dead and charging light comes on) | Go to step (c) |
Belt noise and excessive slip | Go to step (g) |
Noise from generator | Go to next step |
Perform the functional check of the generator with clutch pulley.
Check the function with the pulley installed in the vehicle:
Visually check that the rotor in the generator operates with the engine started.
Check the function with the pulley removed from the vehicle:
Remove the generator pulley cap. Using SST, fix the generator rotor.
Turn the generator with clutch pulley clockwise and check that it does not operate.
Tech Tips
Be sure to replace the generator pulley cap with a new one because it cannot be reused.
Result | Proceed to |
---|---|
NG | Replace generator with clutch pulley |
OK | Repair or replace generator assembly |
Check the V belt for wear.
Check the V belt for wear.
Result | Proceed to |
---|---|
NG | Replace fan and generator V belt |
OK | Go to next step |
Check the generator with clutch pulley for wear.
Check the generator with clutch pulley groove for wear or other defects.
Result | Proceed to |
---|---|
NG | Replace generator with clutch pulley |
OK | Go to next step |
Check the operation of the one-way clutch.
Check that the generator with clutch pulley (outer ring) turns counterclockwise.
Result | Proceed to |
---|---|
NG | Replace generator with clutch pulley |
OK | Go to next step |
Check looseness of the generator with clutch pulley.
Start the engine and check looseness of the generator with clutch pulley.
Result | Proceed to |
---|---|
NG | Tighten generator with clutch pulley to the specified torque {110 N*m (1,125 kgf*cm, 81 ft.*lbf)} |
OK | Check other pulleys |
Perform the functional check of the generator with clutch pulley.
Remove the generator pulley cap. Using SST, fix the generator rotor.
Tech Tips
Be sure to replace the generator pulley cap with a new one because it cannot be reused.
Turn the generator with clutch pulley counterclockwise and check that it locks.
Result | Proceed to |
---|---|
NG | Replace generator with clutch pulley |
OK | Go to next step |
Check for noise while the generator with clutch pulley is operating.
Perform a driving test and check if noise occurs when decelerating.
Result | Proceed to |
---|---|
NG | Replace generator with clutch pulley |
OK | Repair or replace generator assembly |