System Description

Alternator

The Alternator is belt-driven by the engine. Field current is supplied from the Integral Alternator Regulator (IAR), mounted on the rear of the Alternator, to the rotating field of the Alternator, through two brushes and two slip rings.

The Alternator produces power in the form of alternating current. The alternating current is rectified to direct current by six diodes. The Alternator Regulator automatically adjusts the Alternator field current to maintain the Alternator output voltage within prescribed limits to correctly charge the Battery. The Alternator is self-current limiting.

Regulator Voltage

The Regulator Voltage control circuits turned on when the Ignition Switch is in START or RUN and voltage is applied to Regulator terminal I through a resistor in parallel with the Charge Indicator. When the Ignition Switch is OFF, the control circuit is turned OFF and no field current flows to the Alternator.

Charge Indicator

The Charge Indicator is connected across the terminals of a 500-ohm resistor in the Instrument Cluster. Current passes through the Indicator when the Ignition Switch is in START or RUN and there is no voltage at terminal S. When voltage at terminal S rises to a preset value, the regulator switching circuits stop the flow of current into terminal I and the indicator turns OFF.

System voltage is "sensed" at Regulator terminal A. The regulator switching circuits turn the warning indicator ON to indicate a system fault if terminal A voltage is excessively high or low or if the voltage at terminal S is below a preset value.

A Fuse Link is included in the charging system wiring on all models. The Fuse Link prevents damage to the wiring harness and Alternator if the wiring harness should become grounded or if a booster battery is improperly connected to the charging system.