Generator "L" Light Circuit (Charge Indicator)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The charge indicator is a LED located in the I/P cluster. It receives battery voltage when the ignition is in the RUN position. The circuit is grounded through the L terminal of the generator With the ignition ON, engine OFF, the generator will ground the generator "L" terminal circuit through a resistor when the regulator detects sense voltage below 9.5 volts or when no AC voltage is detected. When the engine is started and the generator begins to charge, the generator will open the circuit (still using the control voltage) signaling to the PCM that the generator is charging. If the voltage at the control module generator "L" terminal is low when the engine is running, the control module will send a message to the instrument panel cluster to illuminate the charge telltale.