Description & Operation

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before attempting any repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, see DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .

CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES before disconnecting battery.

AD-230 generator is non-repairable. Generator is electrically similar to earlier models. Generator(s) feature following major components:

Delta stator.
Rectifier bridge.
Rotor with slip rings and brushes.
A conventional pulley.
Dual internal fans.
Internal voltage regulator.

Pulley and fan cool slip ring and frame.

The AD stands for Air-cooled Dual internal fan; the 2 is an electrical design designator; the 30 denotes outside diameter of stator laminations in millimeters, over 100 millimeters. Generator is rated at 105 amperes.

Generator features permanently lubricated bearings. Service should only include tightening of mounting components. Otherwise, generator is replaced as a complete unit.

Voltage regulator controls field current of rotor in order to limit system voltage. Regulator switches current on and off at a rate of 400 cycles per second performing following functions:

Radio noise control.
Obtain correct average current needed for proper system voltage control.

At high speeds, generator on-time may be 10 percent with off-time at 90 percent. At low speeds, generator on-time may be 90 percent and off-time 10 percent.

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) illuminates battery indicator when following occurs:

PCM detects that generator output is less than 11 volts or 16 volts or more. IPC receives a class 2 serial data message from PCM requesting illumination.
IPC determines that system voltage is less than 11 volts or 16 volts or more. IPC receives a class 2 message from the Body Control Module (BCM) indicating the system voltage.
IPC performs bulb display test at start of each ignition cycle. Indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.
Ignition switch is in RUN position.

IPC illuminates battery not charging indicator in driver information center when following occurs:

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects that generator output is less than 11 volts or 16 volts or more. IPC receives a class 2 serial data message from PCM requesting illumination.
IPC determines that system voltage is less than 11 volts or 16 volts or more. IPC receives a class 2 serial data message from the Body Control Module (BCM) indicating system voltage.