* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: This is GENERAL information. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle configuration. The purpose of this Troubleshooting information is to provide a list of common causes of problem symptoms. For model-specific Troubleshooting, refer to SUBJECT, DIAGNOSTIC, or TESTING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
ACCESSORIES & ELECTRICAL
CHARGING SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING
BASIC CHARGING SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
| CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSE | CORRECTION | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Will Not Start | ||
| Dead battery | Check battery cells, alternator belt tension and alternator output | |
| Loose or corroded battery connections | Check all charging system connections | |
| Ignition circuit or switch malfunction | Check and replace as necessary | |
| Alternator Light Stays On With Engine Running | ||
| Loose or worn alternator drive belt | Check alternator drive tension and condition, See Belt Adjustment in TUNE-UP article in the TUNE-UP section | |
| Loose alternator wiring connections | Check all charging system connections | |
| Short in alternator light wiring | See Indicator Warning Lights in STANDARD INSTRUMENTS in the ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT section | |
| Defective alternator stator or diodes | See Bench Tests in ALTERNATOR article | |
| Defective regulator | See Regulator Check in ALTERNATOR article | |
| Alternator Light Stays Off With Ignition Switch ON | ||
| Blown fuse | See WIRING DIAGRAMS | |
| Defective alternator | See Testing in ALTERNATOR article | |
| Defective indicator light bulb or socket | See Indicator Warning Lights in STANDARD INSTRUMENTS in the ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT section | |
| Alternator Light Stays OFF With Ignition Switch ON | ||
| Short in alternator wiring | See On-Vehicle Tests in ALTERNATOR article | |
| Defective rectifier bridge | See Bench Tests in ALTERNATOR article | |
| Lights or Fuses Burn Out Frequently | ||
| Defective alternator wiring | See On-Vehicle Tests in ALTERNATOR article | |
| Defective regulator | See Regulator Check in ALTERNATOR article | |
| Defective battery | Check and replace as necessary | |
| Ammeter Gauge Shows Discharge | ||
| Loose or worn drive belt | Check alternator drive belt tension and condition. See Belt Adjustment in TUNE-UP article in the TUNE-UP section | |
| Defective wiring | Check all wires and wire connections | |
| Defective alternator or regulator | See Bench Tests and On-Vehicle Tests in ALTERNATOR article | |
| Defective ammeter, or improper ammeter wiring connection | See Testing in STANDARD INSTRUMENTS in the ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT section | |
| Noisy Alternator | ||
| Loose drive pulley | Tighten drive pulley attaching nut | |
| Loose mounting bolts | Tighten all alternator mounting bolts | |
| Worn or dirty bearings | See Bearing Replacement ALTERNATOR article | |
| Defective diodes or stator | See Bench Test in ALTERNATOR article | |
| Battery Does Stay Charged | ||
| Loose or worn drive belt | Check alternator drive belt tension and condition. See Belt Adjustment in appropriate TUNE-UP article in the TUNE-UP section | |
| Loose or corroded battery connections | Check all charging system connections | |
| Loose alternator connections | Check all charging system connections | |
| Defective alternator or battery | See On-Vehicle Tests and Bench Tests in ALTERNATOR article | |
| Add-on electrical accessories exceeding alternator capacity | Install larger alternator | |
| Battery Overcharged-Uses Too Much Water | ||
| Defective battery | Check alternator output and repair as necessary | |
| Defective alternator | See On-Vehicle Test and Bench Tests in ALTERNATOR article | |
| Excessive alternator voltage | Check alternator output and repair as necessary | |