Charging System On-Vehicle Inspection

Check the electrolyte level.

1. If the electrolyte level is low, replace the battery (or add distilled water) and check the charging system.
   

Check the color of the indicator.

Result:

Indicator Color	Condition
Blue	Good
White	Charging necessary
Red	Replacement necessary

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:

Tester Connection	Condition	Specified Condition
Battery positive terminal - Battery negative terminal	20°C (68°F)	12.5 to 12.9 V

HINT:

If the voltage is below the specification, charge the battery.

Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
If the terminals are corroded, clean them.

Measure the resistance of the charging system fuses.

Standard resistance:

Below 1 Ω

Check the belt for wear, cracks or other signs of damage.
If any of the following defects is found, replace the V-ribbed belt.

1. The belt is cracked.
   
2. The belt is worn out to the extent that cords are exposed.
   
3. The belt has chunks missing from the ribs.
   

Check that the belt fits properly in the ribbed grooves.

HINT:

Check by hand to confirm that the belt has not slipped out of the groove on the bottom to the pulley. If it has slipped out, replace the V-ribbed belt. Install a new V-ribbed belt correctly.

Check that the generator wiring is in good condition.
If the condition is not good, repair or replace the generator wire.

Check that there is no abnormal noise from the generator while the engine is running.
If there is abnormal noise, replace the pulley or generator.

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.

According to the following procedure, connect an ammeter and voltmeter as shown in the illustration.

1. Disconnect the wire from terminal B of the generator and connect it to the negative (-) lead of the ammeter.
   

2. Connect the positive (+) lead of the ammeter to terminal B of the generator.
   

3. Connect the positive (+) lead of the voltmeter to the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
   

4. Ground the negative (-) lead of the voltmeter.
   

Check the charging circuit.

1. While keeping the engine speed at 2000 rpm, check the readings 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 assembly.
   

   HINT:

   If the battery is not fully charged, the ammeter reading may be more than the standard current.

Keep the engine speed at 2000 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

HINT:

If the battery is fully charged, the ammeter reading may be less than the standard current. In this case, increase electrical load by operating devices such as the wiper motor and rear window defogger. Then, recheck the reading on the ammeter.