The charging system consists of the battery, generator, charge indicator light, and associated wiring. The generator supplies electrical power for charging the battery and operating accessories. The charge indicator light on the instrument panel will indicate most charging system problems. If it becomes apparent that there is an electrical failure. Refer to Charging System Check . If it becomes apparent that the battery is at fault, replace the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement .

There are two types of generators used on the G Van and Cutaways. The CS-130D and the CS-144. The CS stands for Charging System and 130 and 144 indicates the relative sizes of the generators and represents the outside diameter of the stator laminations. The D in the CS-130D indicates that the Dual Internal Fan (DIF) design is used. These generators feature a built-in regulator, delta stators, rectifier bridges, and rotors with slip rings and brushes. Conventional pulleys are used. The CS-130D features two internal fans to cool internal components. The CS-144 has an external fan on the drive end to provide cooling. The CS-130D and CS-144 generators are serviceable by complete replacement only. The ambulance package will consist of two CS-130D generators with the main generator mounted on the right of the engine and the auxiliary generator mounted on the left of the engine.

The regulator voltage setting varies with temperature and the system voltage is limited by controlling rotor field current. By varying the 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 engine speeds, the ON-OFF time may be 90 percent and 10 percent respectively, providing higher average field current to compensate for slower generator speeds. Since the overall ON-OFF switch frequency varies according to electrical needs, when the field current is ON the regulator actually switches the field current off and on at a fixed frequency of 400 cycles per second to aid in control of radio noise. The generator has four terminals, P, L, I, and S . The four terminal connector on the generator is labeled P L, I/F and S, and the matching standard vehicle wiring harness connector is labeled P, L, F, and S. However all G vans and Cutaways use a generator with P, L, I, and S regulator terminals.

The four terminal harness connector may only have one wire and terminal installed. The P (Phase) and I (Ignition) terminals are not used on the G Vans and Cutaways. The L (Lamp) terminal is connected to the instrument cluster and provides a ground to signal the system when voltage is too high, too low, or when the generator is not turning. Voltage in the wiring harness at this terminal will turn on the regulator and allow the generator to function. The current supplied to this terminal must be passed through a proper resistor (Such as the indicator light bulb) to prevent damage to the regulator. The S terminal (Optional Voltage Sense) is not used on the G Vans and Cutaways. System voltage is sensed within the generator for voltage control. In order for the generator to work, the output (BAT) terminal must be connected to battery positive voltage and generator housing must be grounded. The battery terminal is connected directly to battery positive and is a live circuit, even when the ignition switch is in the OFF position. At startup, the field current actually comes from the circuit. If there is no source of battery positive at this terminal, the generator will not turn on. Likewise, if the generator housing is not grounded there will be no path for field current to flow and the generator will not turn on. No periodic maintenance is required for either of these generators.