Charging System - 2.4L: Other Kia Optima III

Alternator Management System

Alternator management system controls the charging voltage set point in order to improve fuel economy, manage alternator load under various operating conditions, keep the battery charged, and protect the battery from over-charging. ECM controls generating voltage by duty cycle (charging control, discharging control, normal control) based on the battery conditions and vehicle operating conditions.

The system conducts discharging control when accelerating a vehicle. Vehicle reduces an alternator load and consumes electric power from the battery.

The system conducts charging control when decelerating a vehicle. Vehicle increases an alternator load and charges a battery.

On-Vehicle Inspection

Check The Battery Terminals And Fuses

1. Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
2. Check the fuses for continuity.

Check Discharge Warning Light Circuit

1. Warm up the engine and then turn it off.
2. Turn off all accessories.
3. Turn the ignition switch "ON". Check that the discharge warning light is lit.
4. Start the engine and Check that the light goes off. If the light does not go off as specified, troubleshoot the discharge light circuit.

Preparation

1. Turn the ignition switch to "OFF".
2. Disconnect the output wire from the alternator "B" terminal. Connect the (+) lead wire of ammeter to the "B" terminal of alternator and the (-) lead wire of ammeter to the output wire. Connect the (+) lead wire of voltmeter to the "B" terminal of alternator and the (-) lead wire of voltmeter to the (+) terminal of battery.

Scheme 106

Result

1. The voltmeter may indicate the standard value. Standard value: 0.2V max
2. If the value of the voltmeter is higher than expected (above 0.2V max.), poor wiring is suspected. In this case check the wiring from the alternator "B" terminal to the battery (+) terminal. Check for loose connections, color change due to an over-heated harness, etc. Correct them before testing again.
3. Upon completion of the test, set the engine speed at idle.

Turn off the headlamps, blower motor and the ignition switch.

1. Prior to the test, check the following items and correct as necessary. Check the battery installed in the vehicle to ensure that it is in good condition. The battery checking method is described in the "Battery" service information. The battery that is used to test the output current should be one that has been partially discharged. With a fully charged battery, the test may not be conducted correctly due to an insufficient load. Check the tension of the alternator drive belt. The belt tension check method is described in the "Inspect drive belt" service information.
2. Turn off the ignition switch.
3. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
4. Disconnect the alternator output wire from the alternator "B" terminal.
5. Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 150A) in series between the "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. Be sure to connect the (-) lead wire of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire. NOTE: Tighten each connection securely, as a heavy current will flow. Do not rely on clips.
6. Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20V) between the "B" terminal and ground. Connect the (+) lead wire to the alternator "B" terminal and (-) lead wire to a good ground.
7. Attach an engine tachometer and connect the battery ground cable.
8. Leave the engine hood open.

Scheme 107

1. The ammeter reading must be higher than the limit value. If it is lower but the alternator output wire is in good condition, remove the alternator from the vehicle and test it. Limit value : 60% of the rate voltage NOTE: The output current value changes with the electrical load and the temperature of the alternator itself. Due to temperature the maximum output current may not be obtained. If such is the case, keep the headlamps on to increase the electrical load. The nominal output current may not be obtained if the temperature of the alternator itself or ambient temperature is too high. In such a case, reduce the temperature before testing again.
2. Upon completion of the output current test, lower the engine speed to idle and turn off the ignition switch.
3. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
4. Remove the ammeter and voltmeter and the engine tachometer.
5. Connect the alternator output wire to the alternator "B" terminal.
6. Connect the battery ground cable.

1. Prior to the test, check the following items and correct if necessary. Check that the battery installed on the vehicle is fully charged. The battery checking method is described in the "Battery" service information. Check the alternator drive belt tension. The belt tension check method is described in the "Inspect drive belt" service information.
2. Turn ignition switch to "OFF".
3. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
4. Connect a digital voltmeter between the "B" terminal of the alternator and ground. Connect the (+) lead of the voltmeter to the "B" terminal of the alternator. Connect the (-) lead to good ground or the battery (-) terminal.
5. Disconnect the alternator output wire from the alternator "B" terminal.
6. Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 150A) in series between the "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. Connect the (-) lead wire of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire.
7. Attach the engine tachometer and connect the battery ground cable.

Scheme 108

1. If the voltmeter reading doesn't agree with the standard value, the voltage regulator or the alternator is faulty.
2. Upon completion of the test, reduce the engine speed to idle, and turn off the ignition switch.
3. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
4. Remove the voltmeter and ammeter and the engine tachometer.
5. Connect the alternator output wire to the alternator "B" terminal.
6. Connect the battery ground cable.

Regulating Voltage Table (Internal mode)

REGULATING VOLTAGE CHART

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1. Disconnect the battery negative terminal first, then the positive terminal. Tightening torque: (+) terminal : 7.8 ~ 9.8 N.m (0.8 ~ 1.0kgf.m, 5.8 ~ 7.2 lb-ft) (-) terminal : 4.0 ~ 6.0 N.m (0.4 ~ 0.6kgf.m, 3.0 ~ 4.4 lb-ft)
2. Remove the VIS (Variable intake system) actuator and valve (A).
3. Disconnect the A/C compressor switch connector (A) the alternator connector (B), and the cable from alternator "B" terminal (C).
4. Remove the drive belt (B) after turning the drive belt tensioner (A) counterclockwise.
5. Pull out the through bolts and then remove the alternator (A). Tightening torque: 49.0 ~ 63.7 N.m (5.0 ~ 6.5kgf.m, 36.2 ~ 47.0 lb-ft)
6. Installation is the reverse order of removal.

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1. Remove the alternator cover (A) using a screw driver after loosening the nuts (B).
2. Loosen the mounting bolts (A) and disconnect the brush holder assembly (B).
3. Remove the pulley (A) using the SST (09373-27000) (B).
4. Loosen the 4 through bolts (A).
5. Disconnect the rotor (A) and cover (B).
6. Reassembly is the reverse order of disassembly.