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This training manual contains basic operating principles of the This training manual is part of the Non Suzuki Technician to
charging system in a motor vehicle. The main charging system Suzuki Technician curriculum. The curriculum consists of the
in a motor vehicle includes the alternator which generates following modules:
charging current, the battery which stores electrical current
and generates electrical current when the alternator is not 1. GE01 Suzuki Introduction
charging and the electrical loads which require electrical
energy to operate. 2. GE02 Electrical and Electronics
3. Diagnostics
In this manual, we will look at the basic operating principles of 4. EN02 Engine Mechanical part I
the alternator and the battery. After you have carefully studied 5. En03 Engine Mechanical part II
this lesson, you must complete the on-line lesson exam on 6. EN04 Engine Mechanical part III
Suzuki Online Training, before continuing to the next lesson. 7. EN05 Engine Auxiliary systems
8. DS01 Driveshaft/Axle
Smart manuals 9. DS02 Driveshaft/Axle transfer case
10. BR02 Brake control systems
Some sections of this training manual contain videos with 11. Manual transmission / transaxle
detailed information on the topics you are studying. If you are 12. CS02 Control system / body electrical
studying this training manual on a PC, look out for the green
play video symbol on any photo or picture in this manual, click 13. CS03 Communication / bus systems
on photo/figure to watch a video providing you with detailed
information on that topic. Note: Internet connection required You are currently studying EN05 Engine Auxiliary Systems.
This module consists of the following courses:
Charging systems
This document is intended solely for training purposes only. Starting systems
All vehicle repairs and adjustments must be carried out Exhaust system
according to the procedures stipulated in current service
manuals and technical bulletins.
Click on the other training modules to view their training
contents.
Lesson 2 Battery 22
Battery construction 24
Effects of temperature on electrolyte 27
Chemical reactions inside the battery 28
Battery ratings 29
Maintenance-free batteries 32
Battery maintenance & testing 33
Battery charging 41
Jumpstarting a discharged battery 42
Alternator
Battery
Charge warning light (in instrument cluster)
Wiring harness
Function
The main function of the charging system is:
With the engine switched OFF, the battery supplies all the
electrical energy required by any electrical consumers Figure 1 - Charging system
switched ON, in the vehicle. If electrical loads are switched
ON for extended periods, the battery can be discharged.
c
Figure 1
[a] Galvanometer
[b] Magnet
[c] Coil
b
a
Figure 2 Alternator Suzuki Kizashi
Figure 3 Electromagnetic induction
Figure 6
[a] Output voltage
Figure 5 The alternator mounting position [b] Regulator case temperature
(Suzuki Swift RS415)
[c] High output alternator
[d] Low output alternator
Figure 8
[a] winding
[b] Claw pole
[c] Slip rings
Figure 8 Rotor
The rotor discussed above rotates inside the stator. The The sinusoidal alternating current generated by these
magnetic field produced by the rotor cuts through the stator windings is also out-of-phase by 120. The resultant
winding inducing a current in the stator winding. alternating current is known as a three phase current.
The current induced in the stator winding is alternating current. The windings of the stator are connected to each other in the
The stator leads are connected to the rectifier which converts following ways: Delta winding or Star (Y) winding.
the AC current produced to DC.
Figure 9
[a] Stator winding
[b] Stator core
[c] Winging ends
Delta wound stators can be easily identified because they have [a] Negative plate with negative 3 diodes
only three stator lead ends. [b] Positive plate with 3 positive diodes
[c] B+ (connection for battery cable)
Rectifier
Figure 14(a) Resultant wave pattern Figure 15(a) Resultant wave pattern
Figure 17
[2] IC voltage regulator
[3] Alternator
[4] Rotor
[5] Stator
Description
Operation
Engine control module (13) controls the output voltage of the
alternator using the C terminal based on the following Figure 22 ECM controlled charging circuit diagram (Suzuki Alto AMF310)
information:
Figure 22
Engine condition (ECT, vehicle speed, engine speed, TP, etc.
[1] Alternator [2] IC regulator [3] Stator coil [4] Diode
(14))
[5] Rotor [6] Charge warning light [7] Ignition switch [8]
Battery voltage (ECM backup power voltage (15))
[8] Battery [9] Electric load [10] BCM [11] IC [12] CAN driver
Electric load condition (blower motor, rear defogger, A/C,
headlights, etc. (16)) [13] Engine control module
FR terminal output (field coil control duty) which indicates
the electricity generation rate of the alternator. This method of alternator control results in more accurately
controlled charge rate, allowing for smaller and lighter
batteries to be used. The module can also monitor system
Then the IC regulator uses the C terminal duty cycle from the
operation to simplify diagnosis and repair by producing DTCs.
ECM to adjust the current to the slip rings thus the output
voltage (B+ terminal voltage). The generated current is also
sent to the ECM via the FR terminal in duty cycle forms.
The SDT can be used to monitor the actual duty cycles of the C
and FR terminals. This function is available under ECM data list.
F terminal
This parameter indicates operating rate (status of production
electricity) for generator by field coil duty ratio.
100%: maximum operation
0%: minimum operation
Terminal L and IG
The light control terminal L controls operation of the warning
light in the instrument cluster and the IG terminal is used to
supply power to the IC regulator (2) when the ignition is
switched ON.
When a vehicle battery is undercharged, this can be noticed by Step 1: Ensure the battery is fully charged
slow or no cranking or low specific gravity. An undercharged Step 2: Connect the Ammeter and Voltmeter as shown in
battery can be caused by one or more of the following figure 24 (NB: An inductive pick-up type Multimeter must be
conditions: used, observe Amps capacity of Multimeter)
Make sure that undercharged condition has not been caused Step 3: Run engine at 2000 RPM with all accessories switched
by accessories left on for extended period of time OFF
Check drive belt for proper tension. Observe reading and record measurements:
Inspect wiring for defects. Check all connections for Step 4: Compare readings obtained to vehicle specifications
tightness and cleanliness, battery cable connections at
If reading is above specification: Alternator is overcharging
battery, starting motor and ignition ground cable
If reading is below specification: Alternator is undercharging
If battery defect is suspected, refer to the battery section of
this manual for battery test procedures.
Alternator charge rate test (With loads)
Negative cable volt drop test Step 1: Connect the voltmeter as shown in figure 26.
Step 2: Start the engine and increase engine speed to 2000rpm Step 2: Start the engine and increase engine speed to 2500
Step 3: Switch ON accessories to increase load rpm.
Step 4: Observe voltage reading and record Step 3: Switch ON all accessories to increase load
If less than 0.3V. The circuit is OK Step 4: Observe voltage reading and record
If more that 0.3V. Excessive resistance, check connections If less that 0.3V. The circuit is OK
of negative cable If more that 0.3V. Excessive resistance, check connections
of the positive cable
Battery case
The top of the battery case (lid) also has the battery terminal
posts and an opening with a lid for each battery cell. Some
battery cases are also translucent and have the marking MIN
level and Max level which enables checking of the battery
electrolyte level without removing the battery caps.
Figure 4 Battery case
The battery terminals are used to connect the battery to the Battery cells contain negative plates and positive plates which
vehicles electrical system. There are two battery terminal are separated by a non conductor material. The capacity of
posts, one negative and one positive. The terminals are usually the cells depend on the surface area and the number of
marked in red color for the positive (+) and black color for the plates.
negative (-). Battery cables must never be reversed when The plates are coated with active material. The active
being connected to the vehicle. material of the positive plates is made of porous lead dioxide
(PbO) and the negative plates contains pure lead (Pb)
Specific gravity indicator
Some batteries also have a built in hydrometer for specific
gravity indication. The sight glass is used to indicate the state
of charge of the battery. The charge status is described in
figure 5 below.
Plate separators
The negative and positive plates are placed very close to each
other. To prevent short circuiting of the plates, a non
conductor material is used to separate the plates.
Figure 7 -
battery separator [1]
Figure 5 SG indicator
The battery hold down clamps and the battery tray keep the Battery cables are large wires that connect the battery
battery mounted securely to the vehicle. This prevents terminals to the vehicles electrical system. The positive
excessive vibrations of the battery that may cause physical cable is normally connected to the starter solenoid, the
damage to the battery casing. alternator and the fuse box/junction box and the negative
cable is connected to the vehicles
Electrolyte
Electrolyte (H2SO4) is a mixture of sulphuric acid and distilled
water. At 20C, the electrolyte specific gravity is
Figure 8 Battery hold down clamp [2] approximately 1.270 kg/l when the battery is fully charged and
approximately 1.15 kg/l or lower when the battery is
discharged.
Battery being discharged When the battery is being charged, current is forced into the
battery by an alternator or a charger. This process increases
the number of hydrogen ions and sulfate ions in the
When electrical loads are connected to the battery, the battery electrolyte, forming sulfuric acid. The density of the
supplies current to the electrical loads for them to function. electrolyte increases.
The battery produces electrical energy by chemical reactions.
When a battery is being discharged, the density of the
electrolyte is reduced. The following chemical reactions occur inside the battery
The following chemical reactions occur inside the battery when when it is being charged.
the battery is being discharged (electrical consumers are
connected to the battery)
Battery ratings (DIN EN ratings) Batteries installed in Suzuki vehicles are most likely to be of
the JIS type. Procedure to read JIS type battery labels is
described below.
The rating of a battery indicates its capacity and it depends
mainly on the surface area of the plates.
Lets decode the JIS rating by looking at the battery below.
Amp-hour rating
The Amp-hour rating of a battery is the amount of current (in
Amps) the battery can supply for 20 hours before its voltage
drops below 10.5V.
Reserve capacity
The time in minutes taken for the battery voltage to fall to Figure 11 JIS rating (Suzuki Swift)
10.5 volts with a constant load of 25 amps being drawn at 25
degrees C.
1 = Performance Rank (No unit symbol) (In the JIS standard, categories are set based on the width
and the box height)
This indicates a battery's overall performance (starting
performance, capacity). The larger the number, the better the Symbol: The size increases from A to H (Unit: mm)
performance.
(Under 50 = 2 steps, 50 and above = 5 steps)
4 = Polarity position
The maintenance free battery can be easily identified because The calcium in the battery plates reduces the production of
it does not have removable filler caps. The top of the battery gases. This increases battery life and reduces service
cells are covered with a large snap in cover. This battery does requirements.
not require periodic top up of electrolyte.
Battery produces hydrogen gas. Never expose battery to If battery is allowed to stand for a long period in discharged
open flames or electric spark because hydrogen gas condition, the lead sulfate becomes converted into a hard,
produces by battery is flammable and explosive. crystalline substance, which will not easily turn back to the
Do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, fabrics or active material again during the subsequent recharging.
painted surfaces as battery fluid is corrosive. Flush any Sulfation means the result as well as the process of that
contacted area with water immediately and thoroughly. reaction. Such a battery can be revived by very slow charging
and may be restored to usable condition but its capacity is
Batteries should always be kept out of reach of children
lower than before. A 3 minute fast charge must be carried out
Always wear safety clothing when working on batteries to determine Sulfation. If the voltage of the battery rises
Charge batteries in a well ventilated area above 15.5V during the 3 minutes, renew battery.
Do not leave batteries on charge un-attended
Electrolyte freezing
The battery is a very reliable component, but needs Always remove the battery by following this order
periodical attention. Step 1: Switch OFF ignition switch and all accessories
Keep battery carrier and battery case clean Step 2: Always disconnect negative terminal first (1)
Prevent rust formation on the terminal posts Step 3: Remove positive terminal (2)
Keep electrolyte up to upper level uniformly in all cells Step 4: Remove hold down clamps (3)
Keep the battery cables connections clean to ensure good
metal to metal contact. Clean and grease the connectors to
protect them from rusting again NB: Install in reverse order
Periodically check the state of charge of the battery. The
simplest way to tell the state of charge is to carry out a
hydrometer test.
Accessories left ON for extended periods without generator The first test one must perform on a battery is visual
operation inspection.
Frequent driving at slow speed for short periods
Electrical loads exceeds generator output, particularly due to
additional fitting of aftermarket accessories.
Defects in the charging system
Failure to keep terminals and battery case clean
Deterioration of battery due to long term use
Deterioration of battery due to long term storage
The voltage produced by each cell of the 6 cell battery is 2.1V. 12.6 V 100
This means that a 12V battery should have an open circuit
voltage of 12.6V when fully charged. To measure open circuit
12.4 V 75
voltage, use a digital multi-meter set on voltage scale.
12.2 V 50
1. Turn ON the headlights for about a minute to remove surface
charge, the turn them OFF.
12.0 V 25
2. Place the positive probe of the Multimeter on the positive
terminal of the battery and place the negative probe of the
11.9 V 0
Multimeter on the negative terminal of the battery. Take
voltage readings and match with the table below.
3. Take readings from Multimeter and compare with the table
below.
The battery load test measures the batterys ability to deliver 2. Load the battery using the current load knob on the tester.
adequate cranking power. Max load current must be equal to 3 times the batterys Ah
To perform a load test, first ensure that the batterys open rating or 1/2 the CCA rating.
circuit voltage is above 12.4V. If lower than 12.4V, the battery
must be recharged first.
Use a suitable battery load tester and follow the 3. Load test the battery for not more that 15 seconds
manufacturers instruction. To load test a batter, follow the
following general procedure applies. 4. Record the voltage reading of the voltmeter,
1. After you have confirmed the open circuit voltage is above
12.4V, connect the load tester as shown on the diagram below.
9.6 V or higher : Good battery
9.5 V or lower : Replace battery
The electrolyte density is a more suitable indicator of the A fully charged battery will have an SG reading of 1.275 Kg/l
battery charge level. In non-maintenance free batteries, the +- 0.10
cell caps can be removed to inspect the level of the electrolyte A half charged battery will have an SG reading of 1.220 Kg/l
and perform specific gravity test using a hydrometer. +- 0.10
A discharged battery will have an SG reading of 1.150 Kg/l
The hydrometer is used to check the batterys state of charge. and below
At 27C of battery temperature the hydrometer readings will be
as shown on the table below Temperature correction
As mentioned earlier in this lesson, temperature affects the
specific gravity of electrolyte. The SG reading is specified at
an electrolyte temperature of 20C.
Oxidation or corrosion of the battery clamp results in the Sulfuric acid and dirt on top of the battery case will lead to
battery not being completely recharged. Even though the current leakage. Perform the following test to determine
terminals look clean, a resistance test must be performed to surface leakage. Place negative cable of voltmeter lead on
determine the status of the contact between the battery cable negative pole and move the positive lead on top of the battery
and battery post. case.
To do the test;
1. Set a digital Multimeter to the Volts scale
2. Place the red probe of the Multimeter on the battery terminal
post
3. Place the battery negative terminal on the battery cable
4. Crank the vehicle with the ignition disabled and observe the
voltage reading. If the reading is above 0 Volts, clean the
battery posts and battery cables and retest
Slow charge
A slow charger forces only a small amount of current through
the battery. To slow charge a battery, set the batter charger
current to approximately 10% of the battery's Ah rating.
Figure 20 Battery charger
Periodically check the charge status of the battery to prevent
overcharging.