Group 31 Integral Charging System (General Service): Description and Operation

Integral Charging System

The integral alternator/regulator charging system is a negative ground system and consists of an alternator, regulator, charge indicator, storage battery, fuse link and associated wiring. Refer to the Wiring Diagram manual for schematics and locations of harnesses.

Figure 5:

Fuse Link

The fuse link is a short length of insulated wire integral with the engine compartment wiring harness. It is four wire gauges smaller than the circuit which it protects. Production fuse links and their identification flag are identified by the flag color. Service fuse links are green or black, depending on usage. All fuse links have a flag molded on the wire or on the terminal insulator. Color identification of the flag or connector is Red 18 gauge wire, Orange 16 gauge wire, Green 14 gauge wire, Yellow 12 gauge wire (used on Police and Taxi) or Blue 20 gauge wire. Figure 5 shows fuse link installations.
When heavy current flows, such as when a booster battery is connected incorrectly or when a short to ground occurs in the wiring harness, the fuse link burns out and protects the alternator and wiring.

A burned out link may have bare wire ends protruding from the insulation, or it may only have expanded or bubbled insulation with illegible identification. When it is hard to determine if the link is burned out, perform a continuity test.

Refer to Section 34-30 of the Electrical manual for testing and service procedures for fuse links used in the charging system.