Charging System — Check

If the ignition control lamp does not light up when the ignition is turned on, check the wiring of the current generator. If everything is in order, check if the control lamp has burned out and the lamp holder in the dashboard is not loose. If the signal still does not turn on, check the circuit from the generator to the lamp holder. A good circuit indicates a fault in the alternator and should be replaced or sent in for repair.

If the ignition warning light comes on while the engine is running, stop the engine and check the drive belt tension and connections to the alternator for looseness. Check alternator brushes and slip rings. If the fault has not yet been found, the generator must be replaced or sent in for repair.

If there is a suspicion of unsatisfactory output power of the generator, the stabilized voltage can be checked as follows.

Connect a voltmeter in parallel to the battery terminals and start the engine.

Increase the engine speed so that the voltmeter reading is stable; on the scale should be approximately 12-13 V, but not more than 14 V.

Turn on as many auxiliary electrical equipment as possible and make sure that the generator maintains a regulated voltage in the 13-14 V range.

If the stabilized voltage is not as specified, the defect is probably worn brushes, weak brush springs, a faulty voltage regulator, a blown diode, etc.