Generators & Regulators: Description

The alternator provides DC voltage to operate the vehicle's electrical system and to keep the battery charged. The voltage output is controlled by the Integrated Circuit (IC) regulator. Power is supplied at all times to alternator terminal No. 4 "S" through 15-amp fuse No. 56, located in the fuse, fusible link and relay block (J/B). Terminal "B" supplies power to charge the battery and operate the vehicle's electrical system.

Output voltage is controlled by the IC regulator at terminal No. 4 "S" detecting the input voltage. The alternator is grounded to the engine block. With the ignition switch in the ON or START position, power is supplied to 10-amp fuse No. 9, located in the fuse block (J/B) No. 1 to combination meter terminals No. 40 and No. 42 for the charge warning lamp. Ground is supplied to terminal No. 64 of the combination meter through terminal No. 3 "L" of the alternator.

With power and ground supplied, the charge warning lamp will illuminate. When the alternator is providing sufficient voltage with the engine running, the ground is opened and the charge warning lamp will go off. If the charge warning lamp illuminates with the engine running, a fault is indicated.