System Description: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan 350Z. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The alternator provides DC voltage to operate the vehicle's electrical system and to keep the battery charged. The voltage output is controlled by the IC regulator. Power is supplied at all times

through 10A fuse (No. 36, located in the fuse and fusible link block)
to alternator terminal 4 ("S" terminal).

"B" terminal supplies power to charge the battery and operate the vehicle's electrical system. Output voltage is controlled by the IC regulator at terminal 4 ("S" terminal) detecting the input voltage.

The alternator is grounded to the engine block.

With the ignition switch in the ON or START position, power is supplied

through 10A fuse [No. 14, located in the fuse block (J/B)]
to combination meter terminal 23 for the charge warning lamp.

Ground is supplied with power and ground supplied

to terminal 17 of combination meter
through alternator terminal 3 ("L" terminal)
to alternator terminal 2 ("E" terminal)
through grounds E212 and E213.

The charge warning lamp will illuminate. When the alternator is providing sufficient voltage with the engine running, the ground is opened and the charge warning lamp will go off.

If the charge warning lamp illuminates with the engine running, a malfunction is indicated.