Engines 1.4 l and 1.6 l
| Pos. | Spare Part No | Name |
| 1 | Generator | |
| 2 | Charging system indicator light | |
| 3 | Battery | |
| 4 | Auxiliary drive belt |
Engines 1.8 l and 2.0 l
| Pos. | Spare Part No | Name |
| 1 | Generator | |
| 2 | Charging system indicator light | |
| 3 | Battery | |
| 4 | Auxiliary drive belt |
The charging system consists of a generator that generates current to supply the vehicle's electrical system and keep the battery charged.
The alternator is driven by an accessory drive belt. For more information, refer to Section 303-05. When the engine is started, the alternator begins generating alternating current (AC), which is internally converted to direct current (DC). The DC current is controlled by the voltage regulator (located at the rear of the alternator). The current is then sent to the battery.
The voltage in the charging system is controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM). The alternator charges the battery and at the same time supplies current to all the necessary electrical circuits. The battery is charged more efficiently with a higher voltage when the battery is cold and with a lower voltage when the battery is hot. The PCM is able to regulate the charging voltage depending on the battery temperature using a signal received from the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. This means that the PCM calculates the desired voltage level and sends this value to the regulator via a communication link.
The PCM both controls and monitors the generator output. When current draw is high or the battery is low, the system can increase the idle speed.
The PCM controls the alternator to minimize engine drag caused by friction when the engine is started. The alternator does not produce output until the engine is started. The PCM then gradually increases the alternator output.
The PCM controls the operation of the charging system indicator lamp in the instrument cluster. Therefore, the PCM is responsible for turning off the indicator lamp after the engine is started and for turning on the indicator lamp if a malfunction occurs (if the alternator does not generate the required current with the engine running). The PCM also turns on the indicator lamp if the engine is turned off with the ignition key in the run position or stalls.
Units shall be repaired as a single unit and shall not be disassembled for repair. Refer to Section 414-02 for additional information.