Generator System Check

During normal operation, the generator indicator light comes on when the ignition switch is in the on position and goes out when the engine is started. If the lamp does not operate normally or the battery is overcharged or discharged, use the following procedure to diagnose the charging system. It must be remembered that a discharged battery is the result of appliances that are not turned off at night, faulty lamp switches, a trunk lid or a glove box.

Check the generator as follows:

1. Check the belt and wires.

2. With the ignition switch on and the engine stopped, the charging indicator lamp should be on. If this is not the case, disconnect the wiring harness from the generator and ground the terminal "L" through a 5 amp fused jumper.

• If the lamp lights up, replace the alternator. See «Generator» In chapter "Car maintenance".
• If the lamp does not illuminate, look for an open circuit between the ignition switch and the harness connector. The control lamp may burn out.

3. With the ignition on and the engine running at medium speed, the charging indicator lamp should not light up. If not, disconnect the wiring harness from the alternator.

• If the lamp goes out, replace the alternator. See «Generator» In chapter "Car maintenance".
• If the lamp continues to burn, check for a short to ground between the connector and the test lamp.

Important: You should always check the output power of the generator before assuming damage to the generator from a short to ground terminals "L". See «Generator» In chapter "Unit repair".