Description and Operation: Description: Notes

The charging system includes a battery, an alternator with a built-in regulator, and the charging indicator light and wire. The Alternator has built-in diodes, each rectifying AC current to DC current.

DC current appears at alternator "B" terminal. The charging voltage of this alternator is regulated by the battery voltage detection system (or ECM - with AMS).

The main components of the alternator are the rotor, stator, rectifier, capacitor, brushes, bearings and V-ribbed belt pulley (or OAD: Overrunning Alternator Decoupler). The brush holder contains a built-in electronic voltage regulator.

[Without OAD] 

Fig 1: Identifying Charging System Components (Without OAD)

Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

[With OAD] 

Fig 2: Identifying Charging System Components (With OAD)

Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.