Charging System On-Vehicle Inspection

Check the battery for damage and deformation. If severe damage, deformation or leakage is found, replace the battery.

Check the electrolyte quantity of each cell.

HINT:

Before checking the battery voltage, turn off all the electrical systems (headlight, blower motor, rear defogger, etc.).

1. If the electrolyte quantity is below the lower line, replace the battery.
   

1. If the electrolyte quantity is above the lower line, check the battery voltage when cranking the engine. If the voltage is below 9.6 V, recharge or replace the battery.
   

1. If the electrolyte quantity 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)

1. If the electrolyte quantity is above the lower line, check the battery voltage when cranking the engine. If the voltage is below 9.6 V, recharge or replace the battery.
   

Check the battery voltage.

1. Turn the engine switch off and turn on the headlights for 20 to 30 seconds. This will remove the surface charge from the battery.
   

2. Measure the voltage according to the value(s) in the table below.
   

   Standard Voltage:

   Tester Connection	Condition	Specified Condition
   Positive (+) terminal - Negative (-) terminal	20°C (68°F)	12.5 to 12.9 V

   If the voltage is not as specified, charge the battery.
   

Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.

Torque:

Positive (+) battery terminal:

5.4 N*m{55 kgf*cm, 48 in.*lbf}

Negative (-) battery terminal:

5.4 N*m{55 kgf*cm, 48 in.*lbf}

1. If the terminals are corroded, clean the terminals.
   

Measure the resistance of the H-fuses and fuses.

Standard resistance:

Below 1 Ω

1. If the result is not as specified, replace the fuse.
   

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

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

Check that the belt fits properly in the ribbed grooves.

HINT:

Check with your hand to confirm that the belt has not slipped out of the grooves on the bottom of the pulley. If it has slipped out, replace the fan and generator V belt. Install a new fan and generator V belt correctly.

Check that the tensioner indicator mark is within range B shown in the illustration.
If the mark is not within range B, replace the fan and generator V belt.

HINT:

If a new belt has been installed, check that the tensioner indicator mark is within range A.

Check that the wiring is in good condition.
If the wiring is damaged, 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 engine switch on (IG). Check that the charge warning light turns on.

Start the engine and check that the light turns off.

1. If the light does not operate as specified, troubleshoot the charge warning light circuit.
   

Connect a voltmeter and ammeter to the charging circuit as follows.

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

   Text in Illustration

   *a	Disconnect Wire from Terminal B

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

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

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

Check the charging circuit.

1. Maintain the engine speed at 2000 rpm. Check the reading on the ammeter and voltmeter.
   

   Standard current:

   10 A or less
   

   Standard voltage:

   13.2 to 14.8 V
   

   1. If the result is not as specified, replace the generator assembly.
      

   HINT:

   If the battery is not fully charged, the ammeter reading will sometimes be higher than the standard current.

With the engine running 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 higher

1. If the ammeter reading is below the standard current, repair the generator.
   

HINT:

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