System Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Infiniti M45. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The alternator provides DC voltage to operate the vehicle's electrical system and to keep the battery charged. The voltage output is controlled by the IC regulator.

Power is supplied at all times to alternator terminal 4 (S) through:

15A fuse [No. 56, located in the fuse, fusible link and relay block (J/B)].

Terminal B supplies power to charge the battery and operate the vehicle's electrical system. Output voltage is controlled by the IC regulator at terminal 4 (S) detecting the input voltage.

The alternator is grounded to the engine block.

With the ignition switch in the ON or START position, power is supplied

10A fuse [No. 9, located in the fuse block (J/B) NO. 1]
to combination meter terminals 40 and 42 for the charge warning lamp.

Ground is supplied to combination meter terminal 64 through alternator terminal 3 (L). With power and ground supplied, the charge warning lamp will illuminate. When the alternator is providing sufficient voltage with the engine running, the ground is opened and the charge warning lamp will go off.

If the charge warning lamp illuminates with the engine running, a malfunction is indicated.