Charging System (For Hatchback) On-Vehicle Inspection

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

Check the voltage.

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

2. 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

   NOTICE:

   If the voltage is not as specified, 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 fuses.

Standard resistance:

Below 1 Ω

1. If the results are not as specified, replace the fuses as necessary.
   

Check the fan and generator V 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 fan and generator V belt is cracked.
   
2. The fan and generator V belt is worn out to the extent that the cords are exposed.
   
3. The fan and generator V belt has chunks missing from the ribs.
   

Check that the fan and generator V belt fits properly in the ribbed grooves.

HINT:

Check with your hand to confirm that the fan and generator V 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.

Inspect the V belt deflection and tension.

Deflection:

Item	Specified Condition
New belt	8.0 to 9.0 mm (0.31 to 0.35 in)
Used belt	12.5 to 13.5 mm (0.49 to 0.53 in)

Tension:

Item	Specified Condition
New belt	700 to 800 N (71 to 82 kg, 157 to 180 lb)
Used belt	300 to 400 N (31 to 41 kg, 67 to 90 lb)

HINT:

1. When inspecting the V belt deflection, apply 98 N (10 kgf) tensile force to it.
   
2. Perform the V belt inspection and adjustment while the engine is cold.
   
3. V-ribbed belt tension and deflection should be checked immediately after installation of a new belt, and after cranking the engine when inspecting a used belt.
   
4. Check the V belt deflection at the point between the specified pulleys where the deflection is greatest.
   
5. When installing a new belt, set its tension to the intermediate value of the specification.
   
6. When inspecting a belt which has been used for over 5 minutes, apply the Used Belt specifications.
   
7. When reinstalling a belt which has been used for over 5 minutes, adjust its deflection and tension to the intermediate values of each Used Belt specification.
   
8. V-ribbed belt tension and deflection should be checked after 2 revolutions of engine cranking.
   
9. When using a belt tension gauge, confirm its accuracy by using a master gauge first.
   

Check that the wiring is in good condition.

Check that the generator does not emit any abnormal noise 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 turns off.
If the light does not operate as specified, troubleshoot the charge warning light circuit.

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

HINT:

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

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

   Text in Illustration

   *1	Ammeter
   *2	Terminal B
   *3	Battery
   *4	Voltmeter
   *5	Generator

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

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

4. Ground the voltmeter negative (-) lead.
   

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:

   12.1 to 15.4 V
   

   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 more 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 more

HINT:

If the battery is fully charged, the indication will sometimes be less than 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.