Charging Systems: Troubleshooting
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSE | CORRECTION |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Will Not Start | Dead battery Loose or corroded battery connections Ignition switch malfunction |
Check battery cells, alternator belt tension and alternator output Check that all charging system connections are tight and clean Check and replace ignition switch as necessary |
| Alternator Light Stays ON With Engine Running | Loose or worn alternator drive belt Loose alternator wiring connections Short in alternator light wiring Defective alternator stator or diodes Defective regulator |
Check alternator drive belt tension and condition. See Belt Adjustment in TUNE-UP Check all charging system connections See Indicator Warning Lights in SWITCHES, GAUGES & INSTRUMENT PANELS See Bench Tests in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS See Regulator Check in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS |
| Alternator Light Stays OFF With Ignition Switch ON | Blown fuse Defective alternator Defective indicator light bulb or socket |
See FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS See Testing in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS See Indicator Warning Lights in SWITCHES, GAUGES & INSTRUMENT PANELS |
| Alternator Light Stays ON With Ignition Switch OFF | Short in alternator wiring Defective rectifier bridge |
See On Vehicle Tests in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS See Bench Tests in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS |
| Lights or Fuses Burn Out Frequently | Defective alternator wiring Defective regulator Defective battery |
See On Vehicle Tests in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS See Regulator Check in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS Check and replace as necessary |
| Ammeter Gauge Shows Discharge | Loose or worn drive belt Defective wiring Defective alternator or regulator Defective ammeter, or improper ammeter wiring connections |
Check alternator drive belt tension and condition. See Belt Adjustment in TUNE-UP Check all wires and wire connections See Bench Tests and On Vehicle Tests in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS See Testing in SWITCHES, GAUGES & INSTRUMENT PANELS |
| Noisy Alternator | Loose drive pulley Loose mounting bolts Worn or dirty bearings Defective diodes or stator |
Tighten drive pulley attaching nut Tighten all alternator mounting bolts See Bearing Replacement in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS See Bench Tests in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS |
| Battery Does Not Stay Charged | Loose or worn drive belt Loose or corroded battery connections Loose alternator connections Defective alternator or battery Defective alternator stator or diodes Add-on electrical accessories exceeding alternator capacity |
Check alternator drive belt tension and condition. See Belt Adjustment in TUNE-UP Check that all charging system connections are tight and clean Check all charging system connections See On Vehicle Tests and Bench Tests in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS See Bench Tests in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS Install larger capacity alternator |
| Battery Overcharged - Uses Too Much Water | Defective battery Defective alternator Excessive alternator voltage. |
Check alternator output and repair as necessary See On Vehicle Tests and Bench Tests in ALTERNATORS & REGULATORS Check alternator output and repair as necessary |