Alternator: Description and Operation

Generator

COMPONENT LOCATION

NOTE:
Installation on supercharged engine shown, installation on naturally aspirated engine similar.





INTRODUCTION
On 5.0L vehicles (naturally aspirated and supercharged), the electrical charging system consists of a 150 A output generator with an integral voltage regulator. The output from the generator is set by the voltage regulator under the control of the ECM (engine control module).

GENERATOR
The generator produces power for the vehicle electrical system and maintains the battery in a charged state.
The generator is located at the front right side of the engine and attached directly to the cylinder block and the sump body. A terminal post on the generator provides the connection point for the battery positive cable. A single pin electrical connector on the rear cover provides the interface for a LIN (local interconnect network) bus connection with the ECM (engine control module). A pulley on the front of the generator is driven at approximately three times engine speed by the accessory drive belt. For additional information, refer to Accessory Drive Description and Operation
When the engine is running the generator produces an alternating current, which is converted to a direct current internally.

CONTROL DIAGRAM

NOTE:
A = Hardwired; D = High speed CAN (controller area network); N = Medium speed CAN (controller area network); O = LIN (local interconnect network) bus









PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The output voltage required from the generator is calculated by the battery monitoring system. For additional information, refer to Battery, Mounting and Cables (414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, Description and Operation).
The battery monitoring system signals the required voltage to the ECM (engine control module) via the CJB (central junction box) and the instrument cluster. The ECM (engine control module) then transmits the required voltage on the LIN (local interconnect network) bus connection with the voltage regulator in the generator. The output from the generator is supplied to the battery through the main battery positive cable.
The ECM (engine control module) will over-ride the voltage value requested by the battery monitoring system if it detects a fault in the generator. The ECM (engine control module) also signals the instrument cluster to display a warning message if it detects a fault with the generator.