Charging System Circuit Description

The CS-type generator uses a internal regulator which features built-in fault detection. Model CS-130D generator is used on this vehicle and is not meant to be disassembled for service. If the generator becomes inoperative, the generator is to be replaced.

The CS-130D generator uses a delta stator, rectifier bridge, and rotor with slip rings and brushes. A conventional pulley and dual internal fans are used to cool the slip ring end frame, rectifier bridge and regulator.

The generator on this vehicle uses 3 wiring connections in addition to the ground path that is provided through the generator housing and engine:
^ The output terminal is connected to battery positive and is hot at all times.
^ The generator L terminal is connected to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) through harness terminal B in the 4 way generator connector. In addition, if the built-in regulator detects a charging system fault, it grounds this circuit to signal the PCM, which turns on the charge indicator.
^ The generator F terminal, which is connected internally to the generator field, is connected to the PCM through harness terminal C in the 4 way generator connector. The PCM monitors this circuit for fault detection from the time the engine is turned on until the engine starts.

As long as the duty cycle signal in this circuit indicates that the generator is not operating, the PCM lights the charge indicator in the instrument cluster. When the duty cycle first indicates the generator is operating, the PCM turns off the charge indicator and switches fault detection monitoring to the L circuit.

As on other charging systems, the charge indicator on the instrument panel lights when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. When the engine starts, the indicator should go out. If the indicator comes on and stays on when the engine is running, there is a problem in the charging system. The indicator will glow brightly no matter what problem it detects. The indicator will also come on when the engine is running if the system voltage is too high or too low.

The regulator voltage setting varies with temperature. It limits system voltage by controlling rotor field current while the field current is on. This regulator actually switches rotor field current on and off at a fixed frequency of about 400 cycles per second to help control radio noise. By varying the overall on/off time, correct average field current for proper system voltage control is obtained. At high speeds, the on-time may be 10 percent and the off-time 90 percent. At low speeds, with high electrical loads, on/off time may be 90 percent/10 percent.

No periodic maintenance of the generator is required.