Charging - Service Information: Overview Dodge Avenger II facelift

DESCRIPTION

The charging system consists of

1. Generator
2. Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
3. Ignition switch (refer to «SWITCH, IGNITION»(ref-485509-S18018128752012071300000) for information)
4. Battery (refer to «BATTERY SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION»(ref-485500) for information)
5. Inlet Air Temperature (calculated battery temperature) (If equipped)
6. Voltmeter (refer to «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - SERVICE INFORMATION»(ref-485497) for information if equipped)
7. Wiring harness and connections (refer to the appropriate Wiring information)
8. Accessory drive belt (refer to «ACCESSORY DRIVE»(ref-485484-S23599167652012071300000) for more information)

Scheme 40

The charging system is turned on and off with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) (2) and ignition switch with engine running. The field circuit will not be energized until engine is running and ignition switch is on. This voltage is connected through the PCM (2) and supplied to the generator field circuit (1) at the back of the generator (6). The generator (6) is internally grounded through the generator case ground (8). The generator (6) regulates the field using Pin 1 of the field connector (High side driver).

The generator (6) is driven by the engine through a serpentine belt and pulley or decoupler pulley arrangement.

The PCM (2) receives a voltage input from the generator (6) via the B+ sense circuit (10) and also a battery sense input (3) from the Gateway (Totally Integrated Power Module, Integrated Power Module) (4), it then compares the voltages to the desired voltage programed in the Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) software and if there is a difference it sends a signal to the generator EVR circuit to increase or decrease output. It uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to send signals to the generator circuitry to control the amount of output from the generator. The amount of DC current produced by the generator is controlled by the EVR circuitry contained within the PCM (2).

All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnostics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including EVR circuitry, are monitored by the PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in electronic memory for certain failures it detects.

The Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped) monitors: charging system voltage, engine coolant temperature and engine oil pressure. If an extreme condition is indicated, the lamp will be illuminated. This is done as reminder to check the three gauges. The lamp is located on the instrument panel. Refer to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - SERVICE INFORMATION for additional information.

Voltage is monitored at B+ sense circuit (10) to insure the cable is connected. If the B+ circuit (generator output) (9) cable is loose anywhere in the circuit the B+ sense circuit (10) will show high voltage. This condition causes the PCM (2) to shut down the generator field circuit (1). Because of this feature, pin 2 of the field connector is internally connected to the B+ circuit (9).

The generator is belt-driven by the engine. It is serviced only as a complete assembly. If the generator fails for any reason, the entire assembly must be replaced. The generator produces DC voltage.

OPERATION

As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a current into the windings of the stator coil.

The Y type stator winding connections deliver the induced AC current to positive and negative diodes for rectification. From the diodes, rectified DC current is delivered to the vehicles electrical system through the generator, battery, and ground terminals.

Noise emitting from the generator may be caused by

1. Worn, loose or defective bearings
2. Loose or defective drive pulley
3. Incorrect, worn, damaged or misadjusted drive belt
4. Loose mounting bolts
5. Misaligned drive pulley
6. Defective stator or diode
7. Damaged internal fins

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1. Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable at battery.
2. Remove the right front wheel.
3. Remove the underbody air dam.
4. Remove the accessory drive splash shield.
5. Remove the serpentine belt. Refer to «BELT, SERPENTINE, REMOVAL»(ref-485484-S39989615472012071300000) .
6. Remove the accessory drive idler pulley.
7. Loosen the lower mounting bolt.
8. Loosen the A/C compressor and relocate, pull down and to outboard side of vehicle to make room to remove generator.
9. Unplug field circuit from generator.
10. Remove the B+ terminal nut and wire.
11. Remove the upper mounting bolt.
12. Remove the generator lower mounting bolt.
13. Relocate the battery terminal (1) to the other side of the A/C line (2) for removal of the generator.
14. Rotate generator pulley down.
15. Slide generator down and out of vehicle.

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1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable (2) remote terminal from the remote battery post (1).
2. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to «BODY, AIR CLEANER, REMOVAL»(ref-485475-S36552825552012071300000) or «BODY, AIR CLEANER, REMOVAL»(ref-485476-S11662508332012071300000) .
3. Remove the engine oil dipstick tube.
4. Remove the cooling fan. Refer to «FAN, COOLING, REMOVAL»(ref-485484-S10344163702012071300000) . CAUTION: Never force a belt over a pulley rim using a screwdriver. The synthetic fiber of the belt can be damaged. CAUTION: Do not let tensioner arm snap back to the freearm position, severe damage may occur to the tensioner.
5. Rotate the belt tensioner (8) counterclockwise until it contacts the stop, remove the accessory drive belt (7) and then slowly rotate the tensioner into the freearm position.
6. Unsnap the plastic insulator cover from the B+ terminal.
7. Remove the B+ terminal retaining nut and remove the B+ terminal.
8. Depress the field wire electrical connector tab and remove the electrical connector (3) from the generator (1).
9. Remove the two upper mounting bolts (2) from generator (1).
10. Remove the lower mounting bolt from generator (1).
11. Remove generator (1) from engine mounting bracket without damaging the radiator.