Charging System: Description and Operation

OPERATION
Alternator
The Alternator is belt driven from the engine. Field current is supplied from the Alternator Regulator, mounted on the rear 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
The Regulator voltage control circuit is turned on when the Ignition Switch is "ON". Voltage is applied to Regulator terminal I through a resistor in parallel with the Alternator Warning Indicator. When the Ignition Switch is "OFF", the control circuit is turned off, and no field current flows to the Alternator.

Warning Indicator
The Alternator Warning Indicator is connected across the terminals of a 500 ohm resistor at the instrument cluster. Current passes through the warning indicator when the Ignition Switch is in the "RUN" position and there is no voltage at terminal S. When voltage at S rises to a pre-set 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 will turn the warning indicator on, indicating a system fault, if terminal A voltage is excessively high or if the voltage at terminal S is below a pre-set value.

Fuse Link
All models include a fuse link in the Charging System. The fuse link prevents damage to the wiring harness and Alternator if the wiring harness should become grounded or if a booster battery is connected to the Charging System incorrectly.