Charging System: Description and Operation

System Description
The alternator provides DC voltage to operate the vehicle's electrical system and to keep the battery charged. The voltage output is controlled by the IC regulator.

Power is supplied at all times:
- through 10 A fuse (No.33 located in the fuse and fusible link box)
- to alternator terminal 4 (S).

Terminal B supplies power to charge the battery and operate the vehicle's electrical system. Output voltage is controlled by the IC regulator at terminal 4 (S) detecting the input voltage.

The charging circuit is protected by the 120 A fusible link (VK45DE and VQ35DE AWD).

The alternator is grounded to the engine block.

With the ignition switch in the ON or START position power is supplied:
- through 10 A fuse [No.14 located in the fuse block (J/B)]
- to combination meter terminal 7 for the charge warning lamp.

Ground is supplied:
- to combination meter terminal 2
- through alternator terminal 3(L)
- to alternator terminal E (VK45DE) or through body ground (VQ35DE)
- through body ground E304 (VK45DE).

With power and ground supplied the charge warning lamp will illuminate. When the alternator is providing sufficient voltage with the engine running the ground is opened and the charge warning lamp will go off.

If the charge warning lamp illuminates with the engine running a malfunction is indicated.

The IC regulator warning function activates to illuminate "CHARGE" warning lamp, if any of the following symptoms occur while alternator is operating:
- Excessive voltage is produced.
- No voltage is produced.