Possible generator malfunctions, their causes and methods of elimination
| Cause of malfunction | Method of elimination |
| When the ignition is turned on, the low battery indicator light does not light | |
| Broken wire between generator, ignition switch (lock) and indicator lamp | Fix the break |
| Low battery warning light does not go out after engine start | |
| Weak tension of the auxiliary drive belt | Check belt tension, replace belt |
| Generator faulty (the generator brushes are worn out or do not fit tightly to the slip rings, the generator excitation winding is burnt out, the rectifier unit or voltage regulator is faulty) | Replace or repair the generator |
| Short circuit to ground in the wire between the generator and the alarm | Insulate the wire |
| The generator does not charge the battery | |
| Oxidation of battery terminals | Clean, secure and lubricate the wire ends and battery terminals with petroleum jelly |
| The battery is faulty | Replace the battery |
| Weak tension of the auxiliary drive belt | Check belt tension, replace belt |
| The generator voltage regulator or rectifier unit is faulty | Replace the voltage regulator or rectifier unit |
| The battery is recharging | |
| The generator voltage regulator or rectifier unit is faulty | Replace the voltage regulator or rectifier unit |
| Increased voltage drop in the generator-battery circuit | Check, clean, tighten or replace contact connections in the ignition switch (lock), fuse and relay mounting blocks, connectors, check the connection of the generator housing to the "ground" |
The article was reprinted from the website «chevyman»