Generator
The generator features the following major components:
| • | The rotor with slip rings and brushes |
The pulley and the fan cool the slip ring and the frame.
The generator features permanently lubricated bearings. Service should only include tightening of mount components. Otherwise, replace the generator as a complete unit.
Regulator
The voltage regulator controls the rotor field current in order to limit the system voltage. When the field current is ON, the regulator switches the current ON and OFF at a rate of 400 cycles per second in order to perform the following functions:
| • | Obtain the correct average current needed for proper system voltage control |
At high speeds, the ON time may be 10 percent with the OFF time at 90 percent. At low speeds, the ON time may be 90 percent and the OFF time 10 percent.
Circuit Description
The generator provides voltage to operate the vehicle's electrical system and to charge its battery. A magnetic field is created when current flows through the rotor. This field rotates as the rotor is driven by the engine, creating an AC voltage in the
stator windings. The AC voltage is converted to DC by the rectifier bridge and is supplied to the electrical system at the battery terminal.
When the engine is running, the generator turn-on signal is sent to the generator from the engine control module (ECM) / powertrain control module (PCM), turning on the regulator. The generator's voltage regulator controls current to the rotor, thereby
controlling the output voltage. The rotor current is proportional to the electrical pulse width supplied by the regulator. When the engine is started, the regulator senses generator rotation by detecting AC voltage at the stator through an internal wire. Once
the engine is running, the regulator varies the field current by controlling the pulse width. This regulates the generator output voltage for proper battery charging and electrical system operation. The generator F terminal is connected internally to the voltage
regulator and externally to the ECM/PCM. When the voltage regulator detects a charging system problem, it grounds this circuit to signal the ECM/PCM that a problem exists. The ECM/PCM monitors the generator field duty cycle signal circuit.
Charging System Indicator
The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the charge indicator in the message center when the following occurs:
| • | The ECM/PCM detects that the generator output is less than 11 volts or greater than 16 volts. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the ECM/PCM requesting illumination. |
| • | The IPC determines that the system voltage is less than 11 volts or greater than 16 volts. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the body control module (BCM) indicating the system voltage. |
| • | The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds. |
| • | The ignition is ON, with the engine OFF. |
