System Check

Generator System Check
When operating normally, the generator indicator lamp will come on when the ignition is in RUN position and go out when the engine starts. If the lamp operates abnormally or if an undercharged or overcharged battery condition occurs, the following procedure may be used to diagnose the charging system. Remember that an undercharged battery is often caused by accessories being left on overnight or by a defective switch that allows a lamp, such as a trunk or a glove box lamp, to stay on.

Diagnose the generator with the following procedure:
1. Visually check the belt and the wiring.
2. With the ignition in the ON position and the engine stopped, the charge indicator lamp should be on. If not, detach the harness at the generator and ground the "L" terminal in the harness with a 5-ampere jumper lead.
- If the lamp lights, replace the generator. Refer to Generator Removal And Installation.
- If the lamp does not light, locate the open circuit between the ignition switch and the harness connector. The indicator lamp bulb may be burned out.
3. With the ignition switch in the ON position and the engine running at moderate speed, the charge indicator lamp should be off. If not, detach the wiring harness at the generator.
- If the lamp goes off, replace the generator. Refer to Generator Removal And Installation.
- If the lamp stays on, check for a short to ground in the harness between the connector and the indicator lamp.

CAUTION: Always check the generator for output before assuming that a grounded "L" terminal circuit has damaged the regulator. Refer to Generator Output Test.