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13-2
PART
13-1
GENERAL
CHARGING SYSTEM SERVICE
Section
Page
Section
13-2
1 Diagnosis
Battery Low in
Idle
..
.
Charge, Headlights Dim at
2 Testing
Alternator Test
Page
13-7
13-7
13-7
Charge Indicator Light Stays On
....
Lights and Fuses Fail Prematurely,
13-4
13-4
Testing the Altenator System
Battery Tests and Conclusions
....
3 Common Adjustments and Repairs
Belt Adjustment
13-11
13-13
13-13
13-13
Short Battery Life
........ ...
.
Alternator Noisy
...
Warning Light Flickers
...
13-4
13-4
13-4
4 Cleaning and Inspection
0
CHARGING SYSTEM
DIAGNOSIS
The charging system consists of
an alternator, alternator regulator,
battery,
charge
indicator
light
and the necessary wiring to connect the
components
(Figs.
2
&
3).
Four different alternators are used
in the XA/ZF model
range.
1. Bosch
-
40 amp with remote
regulator.
2. Lucas
40 amp with integral
regulator.
3.
Lucas
-
55 amp with integral
regulator.
4. Lucas
-
55 amp with remote
regulator.
For
model
application
refer
to
Specifications.
Battery discharge is not always
due to charging system defects.
Excessive use of lights and access-
ories while the engine is either oft'
or running at low idle; corroded
battery cables and connectors; low
water level in the battery; or pro-
longed disuse of the battery, which
would permit self-discharge; are all
possible reasons which should be
considered when a battery is run
down or low in charge.
Charging system troubles such as
low alternator output, no alternator
output (indicated by the indicator
light being on while the engine is
running), or alternator output vol-
tage too high, require testing of
both the alternator and the alterna-
tor regulator.
FIG. 1-Aiternator Unit -Assembled
Alternator regulator failures are
usually not recognised except by the
direct effect on the alternator out-
put, and, of course, eventual battery
discharge. As the regulator is the
control valve for the alternator, it
acts to protect the battery by
pre··
venting excessive voltage output.
Discharge of the battery to ground
through the alternator is prevented
by the diodes of the alternator
which permit current flow in one
direction
(to
the
battery)
only.
Proper adjustment of the alternator regu-
lator is very important.
The wad map
t~·
pe
of procedures
which follow will assist in a logical
sequence
of
pinpointing
specific
troubles.
ALWAYS DETERMINE
THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AS
WELL
AS
MAKING THE
RE-
PAIR.
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