Charging System
The charging system is a negative ground system consisting of:
- Generator with an internal voltage regulator
- Charging system warning indicator
- Battery
- Circuitry and cables
- PCM
- Radial arm adapter (serviceable separately from the generator)
- Battery current sensors
The generator is driven by the accessory drive belt. When the engine is started, the generator begins to generate AC which is internally converted to DC. The DC is controlled by the voltage regulator (located on the rear of the generator) and supplied to the battery. The PCM controls the voltage regulation setpoint, working with the generator internal voltage regulator over 2 control and communication circuits.
The BCM uses the battery current sensor to monitor the battery state of charge. The battery current sensor is attached to the battery ground cable. With the ignition in RUN, ACC, or OFF, a load shed message is sent over the CAN when the BCM determines that the battery state of charge is below 40%, 45 minutes have elapsed, or 10% of the charge has been drained. This message turns off the audio system to save the remaining battery charge. Under this condition, SYS OFF TO SAVE BATT is displayed on the center stack infotainment display to notify the driver that battery protection actions are active. To clear the load shed state, start the vehicle.