Charging system — check (Mazda Capella GC)

1. If the charging system is faulty, check the following areas:

• a) Battery connection cables where they connect to the battery.
• b) Electrolyte density.
• c) Check the generator external wiring and connections.
• d) Check the condition and tension of the drive belt (see section 1).
• e) Check the generator mounting bolts.
• f) Start the engine and check the generator for noise.

2. Using a voltmeter, check the battery voltage at terminal B. It should be approximately 12 V.

Warning: When testing the generator, do not disconnect the L terminal while the engine is running and do not start the engine with the L and R terminals disconnected.

3. To check the charging system, make the connections shown in the figure. With the ignition off, check the voltage between the generator terminal L and ground. If the voltmeter reading is not 0 volts, the generator is faulty. Turn on the ignition and check the voltage. If the reading is 0 volts, there is damage in the generator or wiring. If the voltage is close to battery voltage (12 volts), short the F clamp and the rear of the generator bracket. If the voltage drops, then there is damage in the IC regulator.





4. Before checking the no-load adjustment, make sure the battery is fully charged and the ammeter and voltmeter are connected as shown in the figure. The voltmeter reading should be 0 V (ignition off).

5. Turn on the ignition and make sure that the voltmeter reading is 1-3 V lower than the battery voltage. The generator is damaged if the voltage on the generator is equal to the battery voltage. Clamp the ammeter clamps, start the engine and remove the jumper.

Warning: When starting the engine, make sure that the starter current passes through the ammeter.

6. Increase the engine speed to approximately 2500 rpm and check the voltmeter and ammeter readings. The ammeter should show 5 A or less, and the voltmeter 14.7±0.3 V (at 20°C).

7. To check the generator output, disconnect the negative cable from the battery and connect the ammeter and voltmeter as shown in the figure.



8. Connect the negative cable to the battery, start the engine and turn on the headlights. Gradually increase engine speed. The system is working properly if the voltmeter shows a voltage higher than the battery voltage.