Charge Lamp/Indicator: Testing and Inspection

Fig. 4 Indicator lamp test. External Voltage Regulator (EVR):

External Voltage Regulator (EVR) System
1. If charge indicator lamp does not come with the ignition key in the run position and engine not running, check the I wiring circuit (ignition switch to regulator I terminal) for open circuit or burned out charge indicator lamp.
2. If charge indicator lamp does not come on, disconnect electrical connector from regulator and connect a jumper wire Fig. 4 from the I terminal of the regulator wiring plug to negative battery post cable clamp.
3. Charge indicator lamp should go on with ignition key turned to RUN position.
4. If charge indicator lamp does not go on, check for presence of bulb socket resistor. If resistor is missing, replace bulb socket. If resistor is present, check for contact of bulb socket leads to the flexible printed circuit. If satisfactory, check indicator bulb for continuity and replace if burned out.
5. If bulb and socket are satisfactory and socket leads are in contact with the flexible circuit, open circuit exists between ignition switch and regulator.
6. Check 500 ohm resistor across indicator lamp.

Connecting Regulator Wiring Plug.:

Integral Alternator Regulator (IAR) System
The Integral Alternator Regulator (IAR) has a circuit in the regulator that will indicate a high battery voltage condition. With the IAR system, three conditions can cause the charge indicator to come on during vehicle operation: no alternator output, over-voltage condition or under-voltage condition.
1. If charge indicator does not come on, disconnect wiring connector from regulator Fig. 5 and connect a jumper wire from wiring connector I to battery post cable clamp.
2. Turn ignition to run position with engine off. If indicator lamp does not light, check for presence of bulb socket resistor. If resistor is missing, replace bulb socket. If resistor is present, check for contact of bulb contact leads to the flexible printed circuit. If satisfactory, check indicator bulb for continuity and replace bulb if burned out. If bulb is satisfactory, perform regulator I circuit test.
3. If indicator lamp does light, remove jumper wire and reconnect electrical connector to regulator. Connect voltmeter negative lead to battery negative post cable clamp and contact voltmeter positive lead to regulator A terminal screw. Battery voltage should be indicated. If battery voltage is not indicated, service A wiring circuit.