Alternator & Regulator Chevrolet Lumina I

DESCRIPTION

Charging System (CS) series generators include a delta stator, rectifier bridge, and rotor with slip rings and brushes. A built-in regulator incorporates fault detection circuitry. A conventional pulley and external fan are used to cool slip ring end frame, rectifier bridge and regulator.

Most CS series generators operate with 2 wire connections and a ground path through the mounting bracket. The first wire connection is the BAT (output) terminal. This terminal must be connected to the battery during operation. The second wire connection is through the charge indicator light or an external resistor to terminal "L" of the regulator. This connection provides initial excitation at start-up.

Three other regulator terminals, "P", "F/I" and "S", are provided for optional use. Terminal "P" is connected to the stator and may be connected to a tachometer. Terminal "F/I" provides an alternative method for turning on the generator without going through the charge indicator light or external resistor. Terminal "S" may be used to sense electrical system voltage at a remote point on the vehicle. If terminal "S" is not used, the regulator senses internal generator voltage.

No periodic maintenance is necessary. CS130 generators with 3 auxiliary phase terminals, are serviced by replacement only.

Regulated voltage varies with temperature. System limits voltage by controlling rotor field current while field current is on. Regulator switches rotor field current on and off at a fixed frequency of 400 cycles per second to help control radio noise. By varying overall on/off time, correct average field current for proper system voltage control is obtained. At high speeds, with lower electrical loads, on-time may be 10 percent of off-time. At low speeds, with higher electrical loads, on-time may be 90 percent of off-time. See the GENERATOR USAGE/AMP OUTPUT RATING table below.

ADJUSTMENTS

Note. No adjustment or maintenance is required on generator assembly. Regulator voltage is preset and no adjustment is possible. Drive belt tension is controlled by a belt tensioner.

ON-VEHICLE TESTING

Note. CS130 generators with auxiliary phase terminals are serviced as a complete assembly only.

CHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT

Note. Perform this test only if charge indicator light does not illuminate when ignition is turned on, or does not go out after engine is started.

1. Ensure battery is fully charged. Visually check generator belt and wiring. Turn ignition switch to ON position (engine not running). Charge indicator light should illuminate. If charge indicator light does not illuminate, go to next step. If charge indicator light illuminates, go to step 4).
2. Turn ignition off. Disconnect generator harness connector. Using a fused (5-amp) jumper wire, connect terminal "L" of generator harness connector to ground. Turn ignition on (engine not running). If charge indicator light illuminates, replace or repair generator.
3. If charge indicator light still does not illuminate, check for open in circuit between generator terminal "L" and ignition switch. Also check charge indicator light bulb. See «WIRING DIAGRAM»(/chevrolet/lumina/i-1989-2001/remont/charging-system/#alternator-regulator) .
4. Start engine and run at 1500 RPM. Charge indicator light should go off. If charge indicator light remains illuminated, turn ignition off. Disconnect generator harness connector. If charge indicator light goes out, replace or repair generator. If charge indicator light remains illuminated, check for short to ground in generator terminal "L" circuit wiring harness.

UNDERCHARGED OR OVERCHARGED BATTERY

Note. Ensure battery is fully charged and in good condition before performing the following steps. If battery is not at (or near) a fully charged condition, or if condition is questionable, substitute a known good battery before proceeding.

1. Ensure battery is fully charged. Turn ignition and all accessories off. Using a voltmeter, measure and record battery voltage for use instep 4). Disconnect generator harness connector. Turn ignition switch to ON position (engine not running).
2. Connect negative lead of a voltmeter to a good engine ground. Connect positive voltmeter lead to terminal "L" of generator harness connector. On models with gauges, also connect positive voltmeter lead to terminal F/I of generator harness connector. See «WIRING DIAGRAM»(/chevrolet/lumina/i-1989-2001/remont/charging-system/#alternator-regulator) .
3. On all models, near battery voltage should be present at terminal "L" or F/I (gauges only). If battery voltage is not present, repair open circuit between generator connector terminal and battery. If battery voltage is present, reconnect generator harness connector and go to next step.
4. Start engine and slowly increase speed to approximately 1500 RPM. Using a voltmeter, measure voltage between battery terminals. If voltage is greater than 16 volts, or less than voltage as measured in step 1), replace or repair generator. If voltage is less than 16 volts, or greater than voltage as measured in step 1), go to next step. CAUTION: To prevent injury and/or damage to vehicle, disconnect negative battery cable before connecting or disconnecting a series type ammeter to generator. CAUTION: Carbon pile testing is part of this procedure. To avoid battery explosion, turn carbon pile OFF before connecting to or disconnecting from vehicle battery.
5. Disconnect negative battery cable. Install ammeter to voltmeter. Connect voltmeter to generator output (BAT) terminal. Connect negative battery cable. With load off, connect carbon pile load tester across battery terminals. Run engine at approximately 1500 RPM, turn accessories on and load battery with carbon pile load until maximum generator output is reached. Adjust carbon pile to maintain 13 volts or more. Measure amp output.
6. If amp output is within 15 amps of rated output, generator is okay. If amp output is not within 15 amps of rated output, repair or replace generator. See the «GENERATOR USAGE/AMP OUTPUT RATING»(/chevrolet/lumina/i-1989-2001/remont/charging-system/#alternator-regulator) table.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Note. See the TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

ALTERNATOR - 3.4L

Removal

1. Remove air cleaner. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove coolant recovery tank. Remove serpentine belt. Remove power steering gear pipes from clip that is mounted to alternator upper stud. Remove upper stud and nut.
2. Raise vehicle, and remove tire and wheel assemblies. Remove right engine splash shield upper retaining clips and pull down shield. Remove front exhaust pipe, converter assembly and heat shield.
3. Remove alternator cooling duct bracket tab at oil pan and cooling duct (if equipped). Remove alternator rear brace and nut at engine. Remove intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt at steering gear.
4. Support engine by installing jacking fixture. Remove rear cradle bolts and lower cradle. Remove steering gear heat shield assembly and alternator lower bolt/screw and washer. On models with Automatic Transaxle 4T60-E disconnect alternator electrical connectors from alternator. On all models disconnect battery positive lead from alternator output ("BAT") terminal and remove nut.
5. Disconnect vehicle speed sensor connector. Remove power steering gear pipe clip from steering gear. Remove steering gear inlet hose assembly from steering gear. Remove alternator.

Installation

1. Position alternator. Install power steering gear inlet hose and steering gear pipe clip to steering gear. Connect vehicle speed sensor and alternator connectors to alternator. Connect the battery positive lead and nut to alternator output ("BAT") terminal. Install alternator washer and lower bolt/screw; tighten 37 ft. lbs. (50 N.m). NOTE: If replacement alternator does not fit, remove adhesive- backed shim from alternator bracket.
2. Install steering gear heat shield assembly. Raise cradle and install rear cradle bolts. Remove jacking fixture and install intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt to steering gear. Install alternator rear brace, bolt and nut. Tighten alternator rear brace nut to 37 ft. lbs. (50 N.m). Tighten alternator rear brace bolt to 18 ft. lbs. (25 N.m). If equipped position alternator cooling duct bracket.
3. Install front exhaust heat shield, pipe and converter assembly. Install right engine splash shield using upper retaining clips. Install both tire and wheel assemblies. Lower vehicle. Install alternator upper stud and nut; tighten to 18 ft. lbs. (25 N.m).
4. Install power steering gear pipes to clip mounted on alternator upper stud. Install serpentine belt. Install coolant recovery tank. Connect negative battery cable. Install air cleaner and duct assembly. Bleed power steering system.

OVERHAUL

Note. Replacement parts are not available for CS130 generators with auxiliary phase terminals. If generator is defective, install a NEW unit.

GENERATOR SPECIFICATIONS

GENERATOR USAGE/AMP OUTPUT RATING

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Charging System Wiring Diagram. Scheme 1

See also:
• COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES
• TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES
• GENERATOR USAGE/AMP OUTPUT RATING