Charging System: Description and Operation

The charging system is a negative ground system which includes:
- Generator (GEN) with an integral electronic voltage regulator
- Rectifier
- Charging System Indicator
- Battery
- Necessary electrical wiring and cables

The generator is mounted on the engine on the RH side of the engine compartment.

The nominal rating of the generator is 12 volts, 110 amps.

The generator produces Alternating Current (AC) which is changed to Direct Current (DC) by the rectifier diodes for distribution to the vehicle electrical system.

The standard batttery is a 12 volt, 60 amp-hour maintenance free battery (450 cold cranking amps).

An optional 12 volt, 75 amp-hour maintenance free battery (525 cold cranking amps) is used in Canadian vehicles, vehicles equipped with the trailer tow package, and vehicles equipped with auxiliary air conditioning.

The battery is used to start the vehicle and supplies extra electrical power at times of high system current demand.












The charging system indicator (located in the instrument cluster) illuminates when the ignition key is turned to the ON position and then goes off as the engine is started and the charging system begins to operate. If the charging system indicator illuminates while the engine is running, a charging system malfunction is indicated.