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Charging System: Troubleshooting

NOTE:
  • Be careful not to short-circuit the wiring by the body or other wirings.
  • In case of discharging problem, measure dark current at all times.

    (Charging System - "Dark Current Inspection").

  • When checking the alternator main fuse, perform continuity test and voltage test between terminals as well as visual check to confirm normal operation.
  • When checking the ground, repair or replace after inspecting for defective ground cable, defective installation or defective contact due to foreign object.
  • It is not recommended to use non-authentic parts as installing non-authentic parts may cause malfunction of charging system.
  • Be careful as misassembly may cause short-circuit of wiring, which may result in battery discharge.
  • As it will reset and appear as normal if the battery negative (-) terminal is disconnected while measuring dark current, measure by using a hook meter without disconnecting the negative (-) terminal.
  • Note that there may be various phenomenons/possible causes/repair measures apart from above.
  • For more effective repairs, refer to DTC INDEX and Appropriate System Wiring Diagram Information.
Symptom Suspected Area Remedy
Charging warning lamp does not turn on during IG ON. Broken alternator main fuse Inspect/Repair/Replace fuse.
Broken instrument cluster fuse Inspect/Repair/Replace fuse.
Broken instrument cluster internal bulb Inspect/Repair/Replace instrument cluster.
Defective connection of wiring connector Inspect/Repair/Replace wiring connection.
Defective voltage regulator or alternator Inspect/Repair/Replace voltage regulator or alternator.
Defective connection of battery terminal Inspect tightening of (+) and (-) battery terminals to specified torque.
Communication error Inspect wiring between regulator and ECM.
Inspect transmission signal of ECM.
Inspect/Repair/Replace alternator if the wiring and ECM are normal.
Charging warning lamp does not turn off during engine running. Worn drive belt or lack of tension Inspect/Repair/Replace drive belt.
Defective connection, corroded or worn battery cable Inspect connection of battery cable and Inspect/Repair/Replace cable.
Broken alternator main fuse Inspect/Replace alternator main fuse or battery cable.
Defective voltage regulator or alternator Inspect/Replace voltage regulator or alternator.
Defective wiring Inspect/Replace wiring.
Defective instrument cluster Inspect/Replace instrument cluster
Slip in alternator pulley Inspect/Replace alternator pulley.
Adjust tension/Replace drive belt.
Defective connection of battery terminal Inspect tightening of (+) and (-) battery terminals to specified torque.
Charging warning lamp turns on. Slip, worn or lack of tension in drive belt Adjust tension/Replace drive belt.
Inspect/Replace auto tensioner (only for auto tensioner type).
Error in Alternator Management System (AMS) voltage Inspect battery sensor connecting harness and connection with body.
Error in battery sensor Inspect/Repair/Replace battery sensor.
Short between battery sensor wiring and body Inspect/Repair/Replace battery sensor.
Defective alternator L terminal output power Inspect/Repair/Replace alternator or regulator.
Degradation due to defective contact of battery (+) terminal Check tightening to specified torque/Inspect/Repair/Replace battery wiring.
Short in alternator connecting extension connector internal pin Inspect/Repair/Replace wiring.
  Short circuit between body and mission ground Inspect/Repair/Replace ground.
Communication error Inspect/Repair/Replace wiring between regulator and ECM.
Inspect transmission signal of ECM.
Inspect/Repair/Replace alternator if wiring and ECM are normal.
Short in the middle of connection to alternator L terminal
(L terminal applied vehicle model)
Inspect/Repair/Replace wiring.
Drive belt rotation stops due to slip in crankshaft damper pulley or defective pulley. Inspect or replace crankshaft damper pulley/Inspect, repair or replace drive belt tensioner bearing.
Slip, worn or lack of tension in drive belt Adjust tension/Inspect/Repair/Replace drive belt.
Defective voltage regulator Inspect/Repair/Replace voltage regulator.
Defective alternator Inspect/Repair/Replace alternator.
Broken alternator main fuse Inspect/Repair/Replace alternator main fuse or battery wiring cable.
Defective ground Inspect/Repair/Replace ground.
Adjust tension/Inspect/Repair/Replace drive belt.
Inspect/Repair/Replace wiring connection.
Inspect/Repair/Replace alternator main fuse.
Inspect/Repair/Replace alternator.
Inspect/Repair/Replace voltage regulator.
Inspect/Repair/Replace battery unit.
Inspect for dark current/Repair/Replace.
Discharged battery Learn/Inspect/Repair/Replace battery sensor.
Inspect for short/Repair/Replace battery cable.
Inspect/Repair/Replace ECM.
Inspect/Repair/Replace body electrical related parts.
Inspect/Repair/Replace installation status of alternator connector.
Inspect/Repair/Replace tightening of (+) and (-) battery terminals to specified torque.
Swollen battery Defective battery Inspect/Replace battery.
Defective voltage regulator or alternator Inspect/Repair/Replace voltage regulator or alternator.
Defective charging related parts or wiring Inspect/Repair/Replace charging related parts and wiring.
After inspection, repair or replace related parts in case of malfunction.