There are three types of generators used in cars. Early models were equipped with CS 130 (100 A) generators; later models are equipped with CS 130 generators (105A with rear air conditioning system) and CS 144 (140 A, for 3.8 L engines). Generators of all types are equipped with conventional pulleys with impellers.
To determine the type of alternator installed on your vehicle, look at the latches that hold the two halves of the alternator housing together. All CS 130 generator models use rivets instead of screws. Therefore, such a generator can be repaired only by drilling out the rivets. However, we do not recommend practicing this method. In generators of the CS 140 type, the halves of the housing are fastened with two ordinary bolts. The CS 144 generator uses a slightly different design solution for placing the bearing in the casting. Whatever your goals and intentions, consider CS 144 type generators as re-assemblable units and replace them with new or reconditioned ones in case of failure.
The voltage regulator is designed to limit the voltage produced by the generator within specified limits. This prevents the possibility of voltage pulsations, electrical circuit overloads, etc. at peak output voltage values. In all vehicle models covered by this manual, the voltage regulator is located in the alternator housing.
Typically, the charging system does not require regular maintenance. However, it is necessary to periodically check the technical condition of the drive belts, electrical wiring and electrical contacts at the intervals specified in Chapter 1.
When performing electrical maintenance on a vehicle equipped with a generator, extreme caution should be exercised and the following should be taken into account. When connecting the wires from the battery to the generator, be careful not to reverse their polarity. Before using electric welding equipment to repair any vehicle component, disconnect all wires from the battery terminals and generator contacts. It is not allowed to turn on the ignition when the charger is connected to the battery. Before connecting the charger to the battery, disconnect both wires from its terminals.
The battery charge indicator light on the instrument panel comes on when the ignition is turned on and goes out after the engine has started. If the indicator lamp remains on or comes on while the engine is running, this indicates a fault in the charging circuit. IN section 12 a sequence of procedures for testing generators of all types is presented.