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.

1. For maintenance-free batteries:
   

   1. If the electrolyte quantity is below the lower line, replace the battery.
      
   2. 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.
      

      HINT:

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

2. For non-maintenance-free batteries:
   

   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.
      

      HINT:

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

Reference:
The indicator shows the battery condition.

HINT:

1. Blue: OK
   
2. White: Charging necessary
   
3. Red: Insufficient electrolyte
   

Visually check the battery terminals.

1. Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
   

Check the H-fuse and fuses.

1. Measure the resistance according to the value(s) in the table below.
   

   Standard Resistance:

   Tester Connection	Condition	Specified Condition
   ALT H-fuse	Always	Below 1 Ω
   ALT-S fuse
   MET fuse
   LH-IG fuse

   If the result is not as specified, replace the fuses as necessary.
   

Check the belt (Click here).

Visually check the generator wiring.

1. Check that the wiring is in good condition.
   

Listen for abnormal noises from the generator.

1. Check that no abnormal noises are heard from the generator while the engine is running.
   

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.

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.
   

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. Keep the engine speed at 2000 rpm and check the reading on the ammeter and voltmeter.
   

   Standard current:

   10 A or less
   

   Standard voltage:

   13.2 to 14.8 V
   

   If the voltmeter reading is higher than the standard voltage, replace the voltage regulator.
   

   HINT:

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

With the engine running at 2000 rpm, turn the high beam headlights on and turn the heater blower switch to the "HI" position.

Check the reading on the ammeter.

Standard current:

30 A or higher

HINT:

If the battery is fully charged, the indication will sometimes be below than the standard amperage. If this is the case, add more electrical load (operate the wipers, rear window defogger, etc.) and check the reading on the ammeter again.