Charging Alternator

Central Control Unit (CCU) The CCU (C0428) receives a feed from the inertia switch (C0123) via the engine compartment fuse box (C0576) on a UG wire. If this feed is removed due to the inertia switch being tripped, the CCU will unlock all of the doors. For more details of the Central Door Locking (CDL) system, refer to the Anti-theft Alarm and Central Door Locking (CDL) section of this manual.  ANTI-THEFT ALARM AND CENTRAL DOOR LOCKING (CDL).

NOTE: The CCU will only unlock all doors if the ignition switch is in the 'ignition' position.

The CCU (C0429) also provides a signal feed to the immobilisation ECU (C0059) on a KN wire. This signal feed informs the immobilisation ECU to energise the starter relay. For a detailed description of the immobilisation ECU, refer to the Engine Immobilisation section of this manual.  ENGINE IMMOBILISATION.

Charging Alternator

Fusible link 1 of the engine compartment fuse box (C0826) provides a constant battery feed to the alternator (C0183) on an R wire. Fuse 19 of the passenger compartment fuse box (C0581) provides an ignition feed to the alternator (C0053) on a W wire.

When the engine is turned over, the alternator (C0053) supplies the ECM (C0371) with a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal on a GK wire. The ECM uses this PWM signal to calculate the electrical load on the alternator, and controls engine idle speed accordingly.

When the engine is started, the magnetised rotor within the stator windings generate 3 phase alternating current (ac) and voltage that rises rapidly with rotor speed. The field diodes in the rectifier pack convert the ac current into direct current (dc). Output current from the field diodes supplements the initial current flowing through the field windings. This causes an increase in the magnetic influence of the rotor, resulting in self-exitation of the alternator. The field current increases with rotor speed and thus increases the generated current and voltage until the alternator is fully excited.

The alternator (C0183) charges the battery by providing current via fusible link 1 of the engine compartment fuse box (C0826 & C0632) to the battery positive terminal (C0192) on an R wire.

Ignition/No Charge Warning Lamp

Fuse 8 of the passenger compartment fuse box (C0589) provides an ignition feed to the ignition/no charge warning lamp (C0233) on a G wire. Current flows across the lamp (C0233) and is provided an earth path by the alternator (C0053) on an NY wire. The warning lamp will now illuminate.

When the alternator is charging, it provides a feed to the warning lamp (C0233) on the NY wire. Because the potential difference across the bulb is 0 V, the lamp will now extinguish.