Charging System: Testing and Inspection
ON-VEHICLE INSPECTIONCAUTION:
- Check that the battery cables are connected to the correct terminals.
- Disconnect the battery cables when the battery is given a quick charge.
- Do not perform tests with a high voltage insulation resistance tester.
- Never disconnect the battery while the engine is running.
1. CHECK BATTERY ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
Except maintenance free battery:
a. Check the electrolyte quantity of each cell.
If under the lower level, replace the battery (or add distilled water if possible) and check the charging system.
2. CHECK BATTERY SPECIFIC GRAVITY (Except Maintenance-Free Battery)
Maintenance free battery:
a. Check the specific gravity of each cell.
Standard specific gravity:
1.25 to 1.29 at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F)
If the specific gravity is less than the specification, charge the battery.
3. CHECK BATTERY VOLTAGE
a. In the case that 20 minutes have not passe4d after stopping the engine, turn on the ignition switch and the electrical system (headlight, blower motor, rear defogger, etc.) for 60 seconds before removing the surface charge.
b. Turn the ignition switch OFF and turn off the electrical systems.
c. Measure the battery voltage between the negative (- ) and positive (+) terminals of the battery.
Standard voltage:
12.5 to 12.9 V at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F)
If the voltage is less than the specification, charge the battery.
HINT: Check the indicator as shown in the illustration.
4. CHECK BATTERY TERMINAL
a. Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
5. CHECK FUSIBLE LINK AND FUSES
a. Check the fusible link and fuses for continuity.
6. INSPECT DRIVE BELT
HINT: Since the belt tensioner is used, checking the belt tension is not necessary.
a. Visually check the drive belt for excessive wear, frayed cords etc.
If necessary, replace the drive belt.
HINT:
- Cracks on the rib side of a drive belt are considered acceptable. If the drive belt has chunks missing from the ribs, it should be replaced.
- The drive belt tension can be released by turning the belt tensioner counterclockwise. The pulley bolt for the belt tensioner has a left-hand thread.
b. Check the belt tensioner operation.
- Check that the belt tensioner moves downward when the drive belt is pressed down at the points indicated in the illustration with approx. 98 N (10 kgf, 22.0 lbf) of force.
- Check the alignment of the belt tensioner pulley to make sure the drive belt does not slipped off the pulley.
If necessary, replace the belt tensioner.
- Check that the arrow mark on the belt tensioner falls within area A of the scale.
If it is outside area A, replace the drive belt.
HINT:
- When a new belt is installed, it should lie within area B. If not, the drive belt is not correct.
- After installing a belt, check that it fits properly in the ribbed grooves.
- Check by hand to confirm that the belt does not slipped out of the groove on the bottom of the pulley.
7. REMOVE ENGINE UNDER COVER NO.1
8. VISUALLY CHECK GENERATOR WARNING AND LISTEN FOR ABNORMAL NOISES
a. Check that the wiring is in good condition.
b. Check that there is no abnormal noise from the generator while the engine is running.
9. CHECK CHARGE WARNING LIGHT CIRCUIT
a. Warm up the engine and then turn it off.
b. Switch off all accessories.
c. Turn the ignition switch ON, and check that the charge warning light comes on.
d. Start the engine, and check that the light goes off.
If the light does not go off as specified, troubleshoot the charge light circuit.
10. INSPECT CHARGING CIRCUIT WITHOUT LOAD
HINT: If a battery/generator tester is available, connect the tester to the charging circuit as per manufacturer's instructions.
a. If a tester is not available, connect a voltmeter and ammeter to the charging circuit as follows:
- Disconnect the wire from terminal B of the generator, and connect it to the negative (-) tester probe of the ammeter.
- Connect the positive (+) tester probe of the ammeter to terminal B of the generator.
- Connect the positive (+) tester probe of the voltmeter to terminal B of the generator.
- Ground the negative (-) tester probe of the voltmeter.
b. Check the charging circuit as follows: With the engine running from idling to 2,000 rpm, check reading on the ammeter and voltmeter.
Standard amperage: 10 A or less
Standard voltage: 13.2 to 14.0 V
If the voltmeter reading is more than the standard voltage, replace the voltage regulator.
If the voltmeter reading is less than the standard voltage, check the voltage regulator and generator.
11. INSPECT CHARGING CIRCUIT WITH LOAD
a. With the engine running at 2,000 rpm, turn on the high beam headlights and set the heater blower switch to HI.
b. Check the reading on the ammeter.
Standard amperage: 30 A or more
If the ammeter reading is less than the standard amperage, repair the generator.
HINT: If the battery is fully charged, the indication will sometimes be less than standard amperage.
12. REINSTALL ENGINE UNDER COVER NO.1