Charging System: Description and Operation

CHARGING SYSTEM

The alternator provides DC voltage to operate the vehicle's electrical system and to keep the battery charged.
AC voltage is converted into DC voltage by the diode assembly in the alternator.
Power is supplied at all times to alternator terminal Os through:
^ 120 A (For California) or 140 A (Except for California) fusible link (letter (a) ,located in the fuse and fusible link box), and
^ 7.5 A fuse (No. (60), located in the fuse and fusible link box).
Voltage output through alternator terminal (B), is controlled by the IC regulator at terminal (S). The charging circuit is protected by the 120 A or 140 A fusible link.
Terminal (E) of the alternator supplies ground through body ground (E35).
With the ignition switch in the ON or START position, power is supplied
^ through 10 A fuse [No. (13), located in the fuse block (J/B)]
^ to combination meter terminal (37) for the charge warning indicator.
Ground is supplied to terminal (30) of the combination meter through terminal (L) of the alternator. With power and ground supplied, the charge warning indicator will illuminate. When the alternator is providing sufficient voltage, the ground is opened and the charge warning indicator will go off.
If the charge warning indicator illuminates with the engine running, a malfunction is indicated.