The charging system is turned on and off with the ignition switch. The system is on when the engine is running. The
Check Gauges Lamp monitors: charging system voltage, engine coolant temperature and engine oil pressure. If an
extreme condition is indicated, the lamp will be illuminated. This is done as reminder to check the three gauges. The
lamp is located on the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Cluster for additional information. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - DESCRIPTION).

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHARGING SYSTEM

The following procedures may be used to diagnose the charging system if:

•

the check gauges lamp is illuminated with the engine running.

•

an undercharged or overcharged battery condition occurs.

Remember that an undercharged battery is often caused by:

•

accessories being left on with the engine not running.

•

a faulty or improperly adjusted switch that allows a lamp to stay on.

INSPECTION

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors critical input and output circuits of the charging system, making sure
they are operational. A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is assigned to each input and output circuit monitored by the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. Some charging system circuits are checked continuously, and some are
checked only under certain conditions.

To perform a complete test of the charging system, perform the following inspections.

1. Inspect the battery condition.

CHARGING SYSTEM

8F - 27

2. Inspect condition of battery cable terminals, battery posts, connections at engine block, and starter solenoid.

They should be clean and tight. Repair as required.

3. Inspect all fuses in the Underhood Accessory Fuse Block for tightness in receptacles. They should be properly

installed and tight. Repair or replace as required.

4. Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness. Replace or tighten bolts if required.

5. Inspect accessory drive belt condition and tension. Tighten or replace belt as required.

6. Inspect the automatic belt tensioner.

7. Inspect generator electrical connections at generator field, battery output, and ground terminal. Also check gen-

erator ground wire connection at engine. They should all be clean and tight. Repair as required or replace gen-
erator if necessary.

8F - 28

CHARGING SYSTEM

SCHEMATICS AND DIAGRAMS

CHARGING SYSTEM

8F - 29

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS - GENERATOR

TYPE

PART NUMBER

RATED SAE AMPS

ENGINE

MINIMUM TEST AMPS

BOSCH

05097756AA

120

3.2L V-6

120@2200RPM

SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE

DESCRIPTION

N-m

Ft. Lbs.

In. Lbs.

Generator Mounting Bolts

—

Generator B+ Terminal Nut

—

GENERATOR

DESCRIPTION

The generator (1) is belt-driven by the engine using a
serpentine type accessory drive belt (2). It is serviced
only as a complete assembly. If the generator fails for
any reason, the entire assembly must be replaced.
The only component that is replaceable is the voltage
regulator.

OPERATION

As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a current into the
windings of the stator coil. Once the generator begins producing sufficient current, it also provides the current
needed to energize the rotor.

The Y type stator winding connections deliver the induced AC current to 3 positive and 3 negative diodes for rec-
tification. From the diodes, rectified DC current is delivered to the vehicle electrical system through the generator
battery terminal.

Noise emitting from the generator may be caused by: worn, loose or defective bearings; a loose or defective drive
pulley; incorrect, worn, damaged or misadjusted drive belt; loose mounting bolts; a misaligned drive pulley or a
defective stator or diode.

8F - 30

CHARGING SYSTEM

Content .. 188 189 190 191 ..