FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Troubleshooting Guide

CHARGING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

The charging system troubleshooting guide is shown in the following steps.

STEP 1.

Q: Is the battery in good condition? (Refer to Chassis Electrical - Battery - On-vehicle Service - Battery Check) Battery Check

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 generator malfunction light come on when the ignition switch is turned on?

YES : Go to Step 4.

NO :
- Check the ignition switch. (Refer to Chassis Electrical - Ignition Switch - Ignition Switch - Inspection.) Component Tests and General Diagnostics
- Check the generator malfunction light and its related circuits.
- Check the generator. (Refer to Charging System - Generator Assembly - Inspection Testing and Inspection.)

STEP 4.

Q: Does the generator malfunction light go out after starting the engine?

YES : Go to Step 5.

NO : Check the generator (Refer to Charging System - Generator Assembly - Inspection Testing and Inspection.)

STEP 5.

Q: Is an oscilloscope available?

YES : Go to Step 6.

NO : Go to Step 7.

STEP 6.

Q: Does the oscilloscope show a normal wave pattern? (Refer to Charging System - On-vehicle Service - Wave Pattern Check Using an Oscilloscope.) Oscilloscope Patterns and Waveforms

YES : Go to Step 7.

NO : Check the generator. (Refer to Charging System - Generator Assembly - Inspection Testing and Inspection.)

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 - On-vehicle Service - Output Current Test.) Output Current Test

YES : Go to Step 9.

NO : Check the generator (Refer to Charging System - Generator Assembly - Inspection Testing and Inspection.)

STEP 9.

Q: Is the regulated voltage normal? (Refer to Charging System - On-vehicle Service - Regulated Voltage Test.) Regulated Voltage Test

YES : Go to Step 10.

NO : Check the generator (Refer to Charging System - Generator Assembly - Inspection Testing and Inspection.)

STEP 10.

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

YES : Generator is normal. Check other systems.

NO : Check the output line.