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. For maintenance-free batteries:
   

   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.
      

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's 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.
      

Turn the ignition switch off and turn on the headlights for 20 to 30 seconds. This removes 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
Positive (+) terminal - Negative (-) terminal	20°C (68°F)	12.5 to 12.9 V

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

Measure the resistance of the H-fuse and 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 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 V belt. Install a new V belt correctly.

Check that the tensioner indicator mark is within range A shown in the illustration.

HINT:

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

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.

HINT:

If a battery/generator tester is available, connect the tester to the charging circuit according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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

   Text in Illustration

   *1	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 battery.
   

Check the charging circuit.

1. Maintain 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 result is not as specified, replace the generator.
   

   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 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 the standard current. If this is the case, add more electrical load (operate the wipers, rear window defogger, etc.) and check the reading on the ammeter again.