Charging System-General Information And Precautions; Charging System-Check; Noise - Jeep cherokee 1989 Owner's Manual

STATOR-HARNESS
STATOR RETAINING SCREW
14.6 After marking the position of the stator assembly with paint
or a scribe, remove the retaining screw, push the grommet
through the distributor housing and remove the stator
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15 Charging system general information and precautions
The charging system includes the alternator, an internal voltage
regulator, a charge indicator, the battery, a fusible link and the wiring
between all the components. The charging system supplies electrical
power for the ignition system, the lights, the radio, etc. The alternator
is driven by a drivebelt at the front of the engine.
The purpose of the voltage regulator is to limit the alternator's volt-
age to a preset value. This prevents power surges, circuit overloads,
etc., during peak voltage output.
The fusible link is a short length of insulated wire integral with the
engine compartment wiring harness. The link is four wire gauges
smaller in diameter than the circuit it protects. Production fusible links
and their identification flags are identified by the flag color. See Chap-
ter 12 for additional information regarding fusible links.
The charging system doesn't ordinarily require periodic mainte-
nance. However, the drivebelt, battery, battery cables and connections
should be inspected at the intervals outlined in Chapter 1.
The dashboard warning light should come on when the ignition
key is turned to Start, then go off immediately. If it remains on, there is
a malfunction in the charging system (see Section 16). Some vehicles
are also equipped with a voltmeter. If the voltmeter indicates abnor-
mally high or low voltage, check the charging system (see Section 16).
Be very careful when making electrical circuit connections to a ve-
hicle eauiDDed with an alternator and note the followina:
reconnecting wires to the alternator fromthe battery, be
sure to note the polarity.
Before using arc welding equipment to repair any part of the vehi-
cle, disconnect the wires from the alternator and the battery ter-
minals.
Never start the engine with a battery charger connected.
Always disconnect both battery leads before using a battery
charger.
The alternator is turned by an engine drivebelt which could cause
serious injury if your hands, hair or clothes become entangled in it
with the engine running.
Because the alternator is connected directly to the battery, it
could arc or cause a fire if overloaded or shorted out.
Wrap a plastic bag over the alternator and secure it with rubber
bands before steam cleaning the engine.
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16 Charging system check
Refer to illustration 16.5
1 If a malfunction occurs in the charging circuit, don't automatically
assume that the alternator is causing the problem. First check the fol-
The Motor Manual Guy
Chapter 5 Engine electrical systems
GROMMET
screwdriver blade into the hole and touching the tab and the case
lowing items:
(this will tell you which component is shorted).
2
should be approximately 12-volts.
3
now be approximately 14-to-1 5 volts.
4
no test hole, the vehicle is equipped with a newer CS type alternator.
Further testing of this type of alternator must be done by a dealer ser-
vice department or automotive electrical shop.
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driver blade into the hole and touching the tab and the case at the
same time (see illustration). Caution: Do not run the engine with the
16.5 To test the alternator, locate the test hole in the back,
ground the tab that's located inside the hole by inserting a
at the same time
a) Check the drivebelt tension and condition (Chapter 1). Replace it
if it's worn or deteriorated.
b) Make sure the alternator mounting and adjustment bolts are tight.
c) Inspect the alternator wiring harness and the connectors at the
alternator and voltage regulator. They must be in good condition
and tight.
d) Check the fusible link (if equipped) located between the starter
solenoid and the alternator. If it's burned, determine the cause,
repair the circuit and replace the link (the vehicle won't s
Sometimes a fusible link may look good, but still be bad. I
doubt, remove it and check for continuity with an ohmmeter or
test light.
e) Start the engine and check the alternator for abnormal noises (a
shrieking or squealing sound indicates a bad bearing).
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Check the specific gravity of the battery electrolyte. If it's low,
charge the battery (doesn't apply to maintenance free batteries).
g) Make sure the battery is fully charged (one bad cell in a battery
can cause overcharging by the alternator).
h) Disconnect the battery cables (negative first, then positive). In-
spect the battery posts and the cable clamps for corrosion. Clean
them thoroughly if necessary (see Chapter 1). Reconnect the ca-
ble to the positive terminal.
i) With the key off, connect a test light between the negative battery
post and the disconnected negative cable clamp.
1) If the test light does not come on, reattach the clamp and pro-
ceed to the next step.
2) If the test light comes on, there is a short (drain) in the electri-
cal system of the vehicle. The short must be repaired before
the charging system can be checked.
3) Disconnect the alternator wiring harness.
If the light goes out, the alternator is bad.
(a)
(b) If the light stays on, pull each fuse until the light goes out
Using a voltmeter, check the battery voltage with the engine off. If
Start the engine and check the battery voltage again. It should
Locate the test hole in the back of the alternator. Note: If there is
Ground the tab that is located inside the hole by inserting a Screw-
5-9