Description & Operation

The charging system includes a battery, a generator with an internal regulator, charge warning indicator light and wire. The generator has 6 built-in diodes (3 positive and 3 negative), each rectifying an AC current to DC current. Therefore, the DC current appears at generator "B" terminal. In addition, the charging voltage of the generator is regulated by the battery voltage detection system. The main components of the generator are the rotor, stator, rectifier, capacitor brushes, bearings and "V" ribbed drive belt pulley. The brush holder contains a built-in electronic voltage regulator.

The generator generates AC voltage in its windings as it is belt driven by the engine. The rectifier converts this AC voltage to DC voltage. The voltage regulator, a device built in the generator frame, has a primary function of controlling the generator's output to meet electrical system requirements. The regulator also controls the charge warning indicator light. Fuse No. 28 supplies battery voltage to the charge warning indicator light. With ignition ON and engine OFF, terminal "L" of the regulator is grounded internally and the charge warning indicator lights up. A small amount of current provided by both the charge warning lamp and the pre-excitation resistor is used to excite the magnetic field windings to start the charging process.

With the engine running and the generator charging, terminal "L" voltage rises and the charge warning indicator light goes out. If the generator fails to charge, terminal "L" remains below battery voltage and the charge warning indicator light remains lit. When electrical loads (head lights, A/C system, etc.) applied, the current into the rotor coil is increased. The "FR" terminal in the generator monitors the current change and send signals to the PCM. According to the signals, the PCM controls the "G" terminal (ground) in the generator.