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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. (Refer to "VEHICLE PARASITIC 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 .
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.
Discharged battery 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.
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.