Charge Lamp System Test

Alternator Indicator Lamp System Test

The Integral Alternator Regulator (IAR) has a circuit in the regulator that will indicate a high or low battery voltage condition. With the IAR system, these conditions can cause the charge indicator lamp to come on during vehicle operation:

1. No alternator output - damaged alternator, regulator or wiring.
2. Overvoltage correlation - shorted alternator rotor, regulator or wiring.

If the system is working normally, the following conditions will be present:
With ignition switch the the OFF position - charge indicator indicator (Battery Symbol) lamp is off.
With the ignition switch in RUN (engine not running) - charge indicator lamp (Battery Symbol)is on.
With the ignition switch in RUN (engine running) - charge indicator lamp (Battery Symbol) is off. Except as noted above.

If the charge indicator lamp does not come on with the ignition switch in the RUN position (engine not running), check the I circuit (ignition switch to regulator I terminal) for an open circuit or burned out charge indicator lamp. Replace the lamp, if necessary.

1. If the charge indicator lamp does not come on, disconnect the wiring connector from the regulator.

Jumper Wire:

2. Connect a jumper wire from the wiring connector I terminal to the battery negative post cable clamp.
3. Turn ignition switch to RUN (engine not running). If indicator lamp does not light, check the indicator bulb for continuity and replace the bulb if it is burned out. If the bulb is still good, perform the regulator I circuit tests. Regulator I and/or S Circuit Test
4. If the indicator lamp lights, remove the jumper wire and connect the wiring plug to the regulator.
5. Connect voltmeter negative lead to battery negative post cable clamp. Contact the voltmeter positive lead to regulator A terminal screw. Battery voltage should be indicated.
6. If battery voltage is not indicated, service the A circuit wiring.
7. If battery voltage is indicated, clean and tighten the ground connections to the engine, alternator and regulator. Tighten loose regulator mounting screws from 1.7 to 2.8 Nm (15-25 in lb).
8. Turn the ignition switch to RUN (engine not running). If the indicator lamp still does not light, replace the regulator.