2. The generator is driven by a multi-ribbed belt from the engine crankshaft.
3. The vehicles in question use an alternator. When installing additional electrical equipment, check that the generator capacity is sufficient to supply new consumers with electricity.
4. When the generator is operating, the electric current flowing through the excitation winding creates a magnetic flux around the rotor poles. When the rotor rotates, its magnetic poles periodically change under each stator tooth, as a result of which the magnetic flux passing through the teeth continuously changes in magnitude and voltage. This variable magnetic flux creates an electromotive force (EMF) in the stator winding.
5. At high rotor speed, when the generator output voltage begins to exceed 13.6-14.5 V, the voltage regulator is locked, and the current does not pass through the excitation winding. When the voltage decreases, the regulator is unlocked again, providing freedom of current flow through the excitation winding. The higher the rotor speed, the longer the regulator remains locked and, accordingly, the more the voltage at the generator output decreases. The process of locking and unlocking the regulator occurs at a high frequency, so the output oscillations remain almost unnoticeable and the generator voltage can be considered constant, maintained at a level of 13.6-14.5 V.
6. The charging system does not require periodic maintenance, however, the condition of the alternator drive belt, battery and its wiring should be checked and replaced on a regular basis in accordance with the maintenance schedule (see Chapter 1).
7. The serviceability of the charging system is monitored using the corresponding lamp on the instrument cluster (see Chapter "Controls and operating techniques").
Safety precautions when servicing a generator
- Do not disconnect the battery or voltage regulator while the engine is running;
- Do not short the generator excitation terminal or the cable attached to it to ground;
- Do not confuse the order of connecting the voltage regulator wiring;
- When charging the battery without removing it from the vehicle, make sure that both cables are disconnected from it;
- Remember that turning on a voltage regulator shorted to ground will cause it to fail immediately;
- Never remove the alternator while the battery is connected;
- Never use voltage meters or test lamps connected to household power (110/220 V) when testing on-board electrical equipment;
- When checking the condition of the diodes, do not apply a voltage higher than 12 V to them and do not use meggers that also have a high output voltage - a breakdown of the diodes will lead to a short circuit. Remember that when checking the insulation of the wiring with a megger, it is necessary to disconnect all the wiring from the generator;
- Before carrying out any electric welding work on the vehicle, do not forget to disconnect the electrical wiring from the generator and battery;
- Any checks of the circuits and components of the on-board electrical wiring should be carried out with the engine not running and the battery disconnected;
- Remember that reversing the polarity of any connections carries the risk of irreversible failure of the rectifier and generator voltage regulator.
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