CAUTION / NOTICE / HINT
Note
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.
PROCEDURE
CHECK BATTERY CONDITION
Check the battery for damage and deformation. If severe damage, deformation or leakage is found, replace the battery.
Check the electrolyte level in 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 the electrical systems (headlights, blower motor, rear defogger, etc.).
For not-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 specific gravity.
Standard Specific 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 battery 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 (headlights, blower motor, rear defogger, etc.).
Check the voltage.
Turn the ignition switch off and turn on the headlights for 20 to 30 seconds. This will remove the surface charge from the battery.
Measure the battery voltage according to the value(s) in the table below.
Standard Voltage | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
If the voltage is not as specified, recharge or replace the battery.
INSPECT BATTERY TERMINAL AND FUSE
Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
If the terminal is corroded, clean the terminal.
Measure the resistance of the fuses.
Standard Resistance |
---|
Below 1 Ω |
If the result is not as specified, replace the fuse.
INSPECT V-RIBBED BELT
INSPECT GENERATOR WIRING
Visually check the generator wiring.
Check that the wiring is in good condition.
CHECK FOR ABNORMAL NOISE
Listen for abnormal noises from the generator assembly.
Check that no abnormal noises are heard from the generator assembly while the engine is running.
If noise occurs, refer to Problem Symptoms Table.
INSPECT CHARGE WARNING LIGHT CIRCUIT
Turn the ignition switch to ON. 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.
INSPECT CHARGING CIRCUIT WITHOUT LOAD
*1 | Battery |
*2 | Generator Assembly |
*a | Terminal B |
Connect a voltmeter and ammeter to the charging circuit as follows.
Tech Tips
If a battery/generator assembly tester is available, connect the tester to the charging circuit in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Disconnect the wire from terminal B of the generator assembly, and then connect it to the negative (-) lead of an ammeter.
Connect the positive (+) lead of the ammeter to terminal B of the generator assembly.
Connect the positive (+) lead of a voltmeter to terminal B of the generator assembly.
Ground the negative (-) lead of the voltmeter.
Check the charging circuit.
Maintain the engine speed at 2000 rpm and check the readings on the ammeter and voltmeter.
Standard Current |
---|
10 A or more |
Standard Voltage |
---|
12.1 to 15.4 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.
INSPECT CHARGING CIRCUIT WITH LOAD
With the engine running at 2000 rpm, turn the high beam headlights on 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 below the standard current, repair the generator assembly.
Tech Tips
If the battery is fully charged, the indication will sometimes be below the standard current. If this is the case, add more electrical load (operate the wipers, rear window defogger, etc.) and check the reading on the ammeter again.