Charging System of an Auto bile Study 1

Description:
The charging system included a battery , an alternator with a built-in regulator , and the charging indicator light and wire.
The Alternator has built in diodes, rectifying AC current to DC current.
Therefore , DC current appears at alternator ,”B” terminal. In addition , the charging voltage of this alternator is regulated by the battery voltage detection system. The main component of the alternator are the rotor, rectifier, capacitor brushes, bearing and V-ribbed belt pulley. The brush holder contains a built in electronic voltage regulator.
On Vehicle Inspection:
CAUTION:

• Check that the battery cables are connected to the correct terminals.
• Disconnect the battery cables when the battery is given a quick charge.
• Never disconnect the battery while the engine is running.

Check the Battery Voltage

1. If 20 minutes have not passed since the engine was stopped , turn the ignition switch On and turn On the electrical system(head lamp, blower motor, rear defogger ect.) for 60 seconds to removed the surface charge.
2. Turn the ignition switch Off and turn Off the electrical system.
3. Measure the battery voltage between the negative (-) and the positive(+) terminals of the battery.

Standard Voltage: 12.5~ 12.9V at 20 degrees Celsius (68 “F) 
= If the voltage is less than specification, charge the battery.
Red more to # 2

“Charging of an Auto bile Study 2 “

Before continue to read click here first to # 1
Now Study on how to check the battery terminals and fuses.

1. Check the battery terminals are not loosed or corroded.
2. Check the fuses for continuity.

Inspect Drive Belt:
= Visually check the belt for excessive wear, frayed cords ect.
   If any defect has been found replace the drive belt.

Note:
Cracks on the rib side of a belt are considered acceptable. If the belt has chunks missing from the ribs, It should be replace.
Visually Check Alternator Wiring and Listen for Abnormal Noise:

1. Check that the wiring is in good condition.
2. Check that there is no Abnormal noise from the alternator while the engine is running.

Check Discharge Warning Light Circuit:

1. Warm up the engine and then turn it off.
2. Turn off all accessories.
3. Turn the ignition switch “ON” check that the discharge warning light is lit.
4. Start the engine. Check that the lights lit. If the light does not go off as specified , troubleshoot the discharge light circuit.

Inspect Charging System
Voltage Drop Test of Alternator Output Wire.
= This test determines whether or not the wiring between the alternator “B” and the battery (+) terminal is good by the voltage drop method.

Preparation:

1. Turn the ignition switch to off.
2. Disconnect the out put wire from the alternator “B” terminal. Connect the (+) lead wire  of ammeter to the “B” terminal of alternator and the (-) lead wire of ammeter to the output wire. Connect the (+) lead wire of voltmeter to the “B” terminal of alternator and the (-) lead wire of voltmeter to the (+) terminal of battery.

Test:

1. Start the engine.
2. Turn on the headlamps and blower motor. and set the engine speed until the ammeter indicates 20A. And then, read the volt meter at this time.

Result:

1. The volt meter may indicates the standard value.(Standard value: 0.2V max)
2. If the value of the voltmeter is higher than expected (above 0.2V max). poor wiring is suspected. In this case check the wiring from the alternator “B” terminal to the battery (+) terminal. Check for loosed connections, color change due to an overheated harness, ect. Correct them before testing again.
3. Upon completion of the test, set the engine speed at idle. Turn off the headlamps, blower motor and the ignition switch.
4. More Study