System Description: Notes

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

The generator 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 to generator terminal 3 through:

15A fuse (No. 30, located in the fuse and fusible link box).

Terminal 1 supplies power to charge the battery and operate the vehicle's electrical system. Output voltage is controlled by the IC regulator at terminal 3 detecting the input voltage. A pulse width modulated (PWM) signal is sent from terminal 37 of the IPDM E/R to terminal 4 of the generator. The ECM determines the duty cycle of the power generation variable voltage control system. The charging circuit is protected by the 140A fusible link [No. a, located in the fusible link box (battery)].

The generator is grounded through the engine.

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 16 for the charge warning lamp.

Ground is supplied to terminal 2 of the combination meter through terminal 2 of the generator. With power and ground supplied, the charge warning lamp will illuminate. When the generator 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 fault is indicated. The IC regulator warning function activates to illuminate "CHARGE" warning lamp, if any of the following symptoms occur while generator is operating:

Excessive voltage is produced.
No voltage is produced.