Checking the charging system [Toyota RAV4 XA10]

When checking the charging system, proceed as follows:

If the battery charge indicator lamp does not light when the ignition is turned on, check the reliability of the wires connected to the generator, the serviceability of the indicator lamp and the integrity of its circuit.

If the light still does not come on, check the electrical circuit from the generator to the light.

If all electrical circuits are working properly, then the generator is faulty and should be replaced or repaired.

If the battery charge indicator light comes on while the engine is running, stop the engine and check the condition and tension of the alternator drive belt, as well as the connection of the wires to the alternator.

(The original can be found on this resource: www.toyotaman.ru)

Check the voltage regulator as follows:

Connect the voltmeter to the battery and start the engine.

Increase the engine speed until the voltmeter reading stabilizes, which should show 12–13 V, but not more than 14 V.

Turn on the maximum number of electricity consumers (headlights, rear window defroster, heater fan).

In this case, the voltage generated by the generator with a voltage regulator should be 13–14 V.

If the voltage does not match these values, the cause of the malfunction may be: worn generator brushes, weak brush springs, a faulty voltage regulator or diode, an open stator winding, or defective rotor slip rings.