FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS
1. Charging warning light does not go on when the ignition switch is turned to ON, before the engine starts.
- Check the bulb.

2. Charging warning light does not switch off after the engine starts.
- Check the IC voltage regulator inside the generator.

3. Discharged or overcharged battery.
- Check the IC voltage regulator inside the generator.

4. The charging warning light illuminates dimly.
- Check the diode (inside the combination meter) for a short-circuit.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
The charging system troubleshooting guide is shown in the following chart.

STEP 1.

Q: Is the battery in good condition?

YES: Go to Step 2.

NO: Charge or replace the battery.

STEP 2.

Q: Is the generator drive belt in good condition?

YES:
Go to Step 3.

NO: Adjust the belt tension or replace the belt.

STEP 3.

Q: Does the charging warning light brightly when the ignition switch is turned on?

YES: Go to Step 4.

NO:Check the ignition switch.
- Check for burnt-out charging warning light.
- Check the generator.
- Check the charging warning light-related circuits.

STEP 4.

Q: Does the charging warning light go out after starting the engine?

YES: Go to Step 5.

NO: Check the generator

STEP 5.

Q: Is an oscilloscope available?

YES: Go to Step 6.

NO: Go to Step 7.

STEP 6.

Q: Dose the oscilloscope show a normal wave pattern?
(Refer to Charging system - Wave pattern check using a oscilloscope)


YES: Go to Step 7.

NO: Check the generator.

STEP 7.
- Engine: 2,500 r/min
- Headlight: ON (high beam)
- Voltage between generator terminal B and the positive battery terminal
OK: 0.5 V or less
- Voltage between the negative battery terminal and generator body
OK: 0.5 V or less

Q: Are the generator output line and ground line in good condition?

YES: Go to Step 8.

NO: Check the generator output line and ground line.

STEP 8.

Q: Is the output current normal? (Refer to Charging system/Output current test)

YES: Go to Step 9.

NO: Check the generator

STEP 9.

Q: Is the regulated voltage normal? (Refer to Charging system / Regulated voltage test)

YES: Go to Step 10.

NO: Check the generator

STEP 10.

Q: Is the voltage drops in the generator output line normal?

YES: Generator is normal. Check other systems.

NO: Check the output line.