Charging System Diagnosis: Overview

CONDITION POSSIBLE SOURCE RESOLUTION

^ Battery does not stay charged ^ Battery ^ Test battery, replace if necesary
- engine starts OK ^ Loose or worn alternator belt ^ Adjust or replace belt
^ Wiring or cables ^ Service as required
^ Alternator ^ Service as required
^ Regulator ^ Replace
^ Other vehicle electrical ^ Check other systems for current systems draw, service as required


^ Alternator noisy ^ Loose or worn alternator belt ^ Adjust tension or replace belt
^ Bent pulley flanges ^ Replace pulley
^ Alternator ^ Service as required

^ Lights and/or fuses burn out ^ Sensing (A) circuit ^ Service as required frequently ^ Regulator ground ^ Service as required
^ Regulator ^ Replace
^ Alternator field circuit ^ Service as required

^ Charge indicator light flickers ^ Loose or worn alternator belt ^ Adjust tension or replace belt after engine starts or comes ^ Stator (S) circuit ^ Service as required
on while vehicle is being ^ Lamp (1) circuit wiring inter- ^ Service as required
driven mittent ground
^ Alternator ^ Service as required
^ Regulator ^ Replace

^ Charge indicator light on ^ Loose or worn alternator belt ^ Adjust tension or replace belt while vehicle is being driven ^ Open or grounded wiring ^ Service as required
^ Improper wiring hook-up ^ Service or replace wiring
^ Alternator ^ Service as required
^ Regulator ^ Replace

^ Charge indicator gauge ^ Loose or worn alternator belt ^ Adjust tension or replace belt shows discharge ^ Open or grounded wiring ^ Service as required
^ Improper wiring hook-up ^ Service or replace wiring
^ Alternator ^ Service as required
^ Regulator ^ Replace
^ Charge indicator gauge wiring ^ Service as required and connections
^ Gauge ^ Replace gauge
^ Other vehicle electrical ^ Service or replace as required systems malfunctions
Continue through the Diagnosis Guides until service has been made. Then, again test the system to see if service has corrected the system concern.