On Vehicle Inspection Procedure - Charging System

When the charging system is operating normally, the voltmeter will read between 11-16 volts when the engine is running. If the voltmeter operates abnormally, or if an undercharged or overcharged battery condition occurs, the following procedure may be used to diagnosis the charging system.

An undercharged battery is often caused by accessories being left on overnight, or by a hood or instrument panel compartment lamp that stays on.

Noise from a generator may be caused by a loose drive pulley, loose mounting bolts, worn or dirty bearings, faulty diode or faulty stator. A magnetic whining noise may be heard from the CS-130D generator. This is considered a normal condition.

To avoid damage to the electrical equipment, always observe the following precautions:

Precautions
1. Do not reverse the connections to the generator.
2. Do not short across or ground any of the terminals in the charging circuit, unless otherwise directed by instructions.
3. Never disconnect the generator BAT terminal while the generator is operating.
4. When connecting a battery charger or a booster battery, follow the procedure in Jump Standing in Case of Emergency
5. Do not attempt to disassemble CS-130D generator. Damage to the generator could result.

Trouble in the charging system will show up as one or more of the following conditions:
^ An abnormal voltmeter reading
^ An undercharged battery condition (with slow cranking or a dark hydrometer)
^ An overcharged battery condition (with electrolyte leaks or a yellow hydrometer). Refer to Battery Hydrometer Displays Dark or Yellow Dot Battery Hydrometer Displays Dark or Yellow Dot