Charging System Description and Operation W/O Generator/Battery Control Module
Generator
The AD-230 and AD-244 generators are non-repairable. They are electrically
similar to earlier models. The generators feature the following major components:
• | The rotor with slip rings and brushes |
The pulley and the fan cool the slip ring and the frame.
The AD stands for air-cooled dual internal fan; the 2 is an electrical design
designator; the 30/44 denotes the outside diameter of the stator laminations in millimeters,
over 100 millimeters. The generators is rated at 102 and 130 amperes respectively.
The generator features permanently lubricated bearings. Service should only
include the tightening of mounting components. Otherwise, the generator is replaced
as a complete unit.
Regulator
The voltage regulator controls the field current of the rotor in order to limit
system voltage. 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.
Auxiliary Battery Charging
The auxiliary battery is charged in the same manner as the primary battery with
the ignition switch in the run position and the engine running. The system contains
the following components:
• | Auxiliary battery relay. |
• | Junction block battery cable. |
The auxiliary battery relay coil is energized with the engine running through
the fuse block and wiring, thus closing the relay contacts which allow the battery
to be charged from the vehicle's generator via the battery junction block. The auxiliary
battery relay is permanently grounded so any time the ignition switch is in the run
position the relay will be energized.
The auxiliary battery is only used for accessories and is not part of the vehicle
starting system. However if the primary battery fails and in need of an jump start,
follow the service information for Jump Starting In Case Of Emergency using appropriate
battery jumper cables.
Charging System Indicator
The IPC illuminates the charge indicator in the message center when
the following occurs:
• | The 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 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. |