System Diagnosis - Generator

When the charging system is operating normally, the charge indicator lamp will come on when the ignition switch is turned on and will go out when the engine starts. If the lamp operates abnormally, or if an undercharged or overcharged battery condition occurs, diagnose and repair the charging system. Remember that an undercharged battery is often caused by accessories being left on overnight, or by a rear compartment or instrument panel compartment lamp that stays on.

Noise from a generator may be caused by:
^ a loose drive pulley.
^ loose mounting bolts.
^ worn or dirty bearings.
^ a faulty diode.
^ a faulty stator.
^ brush/slip ring friction.

Important
^ To avoid damage to electrical equipment, observe the following precautions:
- Do not reverse connections to the generator.
- Do not short across, or ground any of the terminals in the charging circuit, except as directed by the instructions.
- Never disconnect the output terminal while the generator is operating.
- Before connecting a charger or a booster battery to the vehicle battery, refer to Battery.

Inspect
^ Built-in hydrometer in the battery. Make sure that the battery connections are clean and tight. Refer to Battery.
^ Battery. Make sure that the vehicle battery is in good condition and fully charged. Refer to Battery. Battery
^ Serpentine belt for damage or looseness.

^ Wiring harness at generator. Make sure the harness connector is tight and latched. Make sure that the output terminal of the generator is connected to the vehicle battery positive generator lead.
^ All charging system related fuses and electrical connections for damage or looseness