Engine Electrical System

Repair Procedures

18steps
~108min
4/5difficulty
Done 0 of 18

Inspection

Inspection Item

  • Battery Performance Check
  • Battery Voltage Check
  • Charging Voltage Check
  • General Inspection
  • Terminal Tightness Check
  • Engine / Transmission Condition Check
  • Wiring Harness Ground Condition Check
  • Specified Electrical Value Check
  • Vehicle Parasitic Current Check
  • Check Battery Capacity
Battery Performance Check
  • Make sure the battery cables are connected to the correct terminals.
  • Disconnect the battery cables when the battery is being quick-charged.
  • Never disconnect the battery while the engine is running.
  • Test the battery using a load tester and battery tester.
Battery Voltage Check
  1. After driving the vehicle, if 20 minutes have passed after the engine is stopped, turn the ignition ON and operate electrical systems (headlights, cooling fan, rear window defogger, etc.) for 60 seconds to remove the surface charge.
  2. Turn the ignition OFF and turn off the electrical systems.
  3. Measure the battery voltage between the negative (-) and positive (+) battery terminals.

    Standard Voltage: Approximately 12.5 – 12.9 V (20 °C)

    If the voltage is below the specified value, charge the battery.
  4. Starting the Engine
  5. Turn on the electrical systems.
  6. While maintaining engine speed at 2500 rpm.
  7. Measure the battery voltage between the negative (-) and positive (+) battery terminals.

    Standard Voltage: Approximately 13.5 – 14.5 V (20 °C)

    If the voltage is below the specified value, charge the battery.
  8. Make sure the battery terminals are not loose or corroded. (See Charging System - Battery)
  9. Check the fuses for continuity.
    1. Check the alternator fuse for continuity.
    2. Measure the voltage as shown in the illustration below.

      Standard value: Approximately 0 V

    3. If the alternator fuse is blown, replace the alternator fuse.
      A. Turn the ignition switch OFF and disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
      B. Remove the nuts securing the positive (+) battery cable.
      C. Disconnect the positive (+) battery cable.
      D. Replace the regular alternator fuse or the battery cable.
      E. Install in the reverse order of removal.
    1. Check the battery sensor fuse for continuity.
    2. If the alternator fuse is blown, replace the battery sensor fuse.
    3. Measure the voltage as shown in the illustration below.

      Standard value: Approximately 0 V

  10. Inspect the drive belt
    1. Visually inspect the belt for excessive wear, frayed cords, etc. If any defect is found, replace the drive belt.
      • Cracks on the belt ribs are acceptable. If any rib sections are missing from the belt, replace it.
  11. Inspect and adjust the drive belt tension. (See Engine Mechanical System - Drive Belt)
  12. Visually inspect the alternator wiring and listen for abnormal noise.
    1. Make sure the wiring is in good condition.
    2. Make sure there is no abnormal noise from the alternator with the engine running.
  13. Check the charge warning lamp circuit.
    1. Warm up the engine, then turn it off.
    2. Turn off all accessories.
    3. Turn the ignition switch on. Make sure the charge indicator light is on.
    4. Start the engine. Check whether the light is off. If the indicator does not go off as specified, repair the charge warning lamp circuit.
Charging Voltage Check / General Inspection / Terminal Tightness Inspection
  • Alternator B+ terminal condition
  • Alternator B+ terminal nut tightening condition
  • Battery positive (+) terminal condition
  • Battery positive (+) terminal tightening condition
  • Battery negative (-) terminal condition
  • Battery negative (-) terminal tightening condition
  • Battery negative (-) terminal mounting bolt tightening condition (body ground)
  • Battery sensor negative (-) terminal condition (with battery sensor)
  • Battery sensor negative (-) terminal tightening condition (with battery sensor)
  • Battery sensor negative (-) terminal mounting bolt tightening condition (body ground) [with battery sensor]
  • Engine compartment fuse and relay block wire harness positive (+) condition
  • Engine compartment fuse and relay block wire harness positive (+) nut tightening condition
  • Check for ground faults by checking the body paint.

Location of check component

1. Alternator B+ terminal
2. Engine compartment fuse and relay block positive (+) terminal
3. Battery positive (+) terminal
4. Battery negative (-) terminal
5. Body ground

Engine / Transmission Condition Check
  • Basic condition
  • Body bolt tightening condition
  • Engine bolt tightening condition
  • Check for ground faults by checking the body paint.
Wiring Harness Ground Condition Check
  • Basic condition
  • Body bolt tightening condition
  • Engine bolt tightening condition
  • Check for ground faults by checking the body paint.
1. Engine ground (engine - body)
2. Transmission ground (transmission - body)

  • Check the ground point. (See ETM Wiring Diagram - Ground Point)
Specified Electrical Value Check (Using Voltmeter and Ammeter)
  1. Alternator Output Wire Voltage Drop Test. This test determines whether the wiring between the alternator "B" terminal and the battery positive (+) terminal is normal. Voltage drop method.
    1. Preparation
      A. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
      B. Disconnect the output wire from the alternator "B" terminal. Connect the positive (+) lead of an ammeter to the alternator "B" terminal and the negative (-) lead of the ammeter to the output wire. Connect the positive (+) lead of a voltmeter to the alternator "B" terminal and the negative (-) lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive (+) terminal.
    2. Test
      A. Start the engine.
      B. Turn on the headlights and the cooling fan motor, and increase engine speed until the ammeter reads 20 A. Then read the voltmeter at this time.
    3. Result
      A. The voltmeter may show the standard value.

      Standard value: 0.2 V max.

      B. If the voltmeter reading is higher than expected (above 0.2 V max.), suspect a wiring fault. In this case, check the wiring from the alternator "B" terminal to the battery positive (+) terminal. Check for loose connections, discoloration from wire harness overheating, etc. Repair them before retesting.
      C. After the test is complete, set the engine speed to idle. Turn off the headlights, cooling fan and ignition switch.
  2. Alternator Output Current Test. This test determines whether the alternator produces output current equivalent to normal output current.
    1. Preparation
      A. Before testing, check the following items and correct as necessary. Check the battery installed in the vehicle to make sure it is in good condition. The battery test method is described in the Battery section. The battery used for the output current test should be partially discharged. If the battery is fully charged, the test may be performed incorrectly due to insufficient load. Check the alternator drive belt tension. The belt tension check method is described in the Drive Belt Inspection section.
      B. Turn the ignition off.
      C. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
      D. Disconnect the alternator output wire from the alternator "B" terminal.
      E. Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 150 A) in series between the "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. Make sure to connect the negative (-) lead of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire.
      • Tighten each connection securely, as high current will flow. Do not rely on clips.
      F. Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20 V) between the "B" terminal and ground. Connect the positive (+) lead to the alternator "B" terminal and the negative (-) lead to a good ground.
      G. Connect the battery ground cable.
      H. Leave the engine hood open.
    2. Test
      A. Make sure the voltmeter shows the same value as the battery voltage. If the voltmeter shows 0 V, the wire between the alternator "B" terminal and the battery positive (+) terminal is open, or a poor ground is suspected.
      B. Start the engine and turn on the headlights.
      C. Turn on the high beam headlights and set the heater blower switch to HIGH. Quickly increase the engine speed to 2500 rpm and read the maximum output current value indicated on the ammeter.
      • After the engine starts, the charging current drops quickly. Therefore, perform the above operation quickly to read the maximum current value correctly.
    3. Result
      A. The ammeter reading should be above the specified limit. If it is below the limit, but the generator output wire is in good condition, remove the generator from the vehicle and inspect it.

      Specified limit: 60% of rated current

      • The output current varies depending on the electrical load and the temperature of the generator itself. Therefore, the rated output current may not be obtained. In this case, do not turn off the headlights or use the lights of another vehicle to increase the electrical load, as this will cause battery discharge. The rated output current cannot be obtained if the generator or ambient temperature is too high. In this case, reduce the temperature before retesting.
      B. After completing the output current check, reduce the engine speed to idle and turn the ignition switch OFF.
      C. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
      D. Remove the ammeter, voltmeter and engine tachometer.
      E. Connect the generator output wire to the generator "B" terminal.
      F. Connect the negative (-) battery terminal.
  3. Regulated Voltage Test. The purpose of this test is to check that the electronic voltage regulator controls the voltage correctly.
    1. Preparation
      A. Before testing, check the following items and correct if necessary. Make sure the battery installed in the vehicle is fully charged. For the battery inspection method, refer to the "Battery" section. Check the generator drive belt tension. For the belt tension inspection method, refer to the "Drive Belt Inspection" section.
      B. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
      C. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
      D. Connect a digital voltmeter between the generator "B" terminal and ground. Connect the (+) voltmeter lead to the generator "B" terminal. Connect the (-) lead to a good ground or the battery (-) terminal.
      E. Disconnect the alternator output wire from the alternator "B" terminal.
      F. Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 150 A) in series between the generator "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. Connect the (-) ammeter lead to the disconnected output wire.
      G. Connect the negative (-) battery terminal.
    2. Test
      A. Turn the ignition switch ON and check that the voltmeter shows the following value.

      Voltage: Battery voltage

      If it shows 0 V, there is an open or short circuit in the wire between the generator "B" terminal and the battery, or between the battery (-) terminal and ground. Repair the wire as necessary.
      B. Start the engine. Turn off all lights and accessories.
      C. Run the engine at approximately 2500 rpm and read the voltmeter when the generator output current drops to 10 A or less.
    3. Result
      A. If the voltmeter reading does not meet the specified value, the voltage regulator or the generator is faulty.

      Regulated voltage: 11.7 – 15.3 V

      B. If the voltmeter reading does not meet the specified value, the voltage regulator or the generator is faulty.
      C. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
      D. Remove the voltmeter and ammeter.
      E. Connect the generator output wire to the generator "B" terminal.
      F. Connect the negative (-) battery terminal.
  4. Alternator Output Wire Voltage Drop Test. This test determines whether the wiring between the alternator "B" terminal and the battery positive (+) terminal is normal. Voltage drop method.
    1. Preparation
      A. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
      B. Install a clamp-type ammeter between the positive (+) battery terminal and the generator "B" terminal.
      C. Connect the (+) voltmeter lead to the generator "B" terminal and the (-) voltmeter lead to the battery (+) terminal.
    2. Test
      A. Start the engine.
      B. Turn on the headlights and the cooling fan motor, and increase engine speed until the ammeter reads 20 A. Then read the voltmeter at this time.
    3. Result
      A. The voltmeter may show the standard value.

      Standard value: 0.2 V max.

      B. If the voltmeter reading is higher than expected (above 0.2 V max.), suspect a wiring fault. In this case, check the wiring from the alternator "B" terminal to the battery positive (+) terminal. Check for loose connections, discoloration from wire harness overheating, etc. Repair them before retesting.
      C. After the test is complete, set the engine speed to idle. Turn off the headlights, cooling fan and ignition switch.
  5. Alternator Output Current Test. This test determines whether the alternator produces output current equivalent to normal output current.
    1. Preparation
      A. Before testing, check the following items and correct as necessary. Check the battery installed in the vehicle to make sure it is in good condition. The battery test method is described in the Battery section. The battery used for the output current test should be partially discharged. If the battery is fully charged, the test may be performed incorrectly due to insufficient load. Check the alternator drive belt tension. The belt tension check method is described in the Drive Belt Inspection section.
      B. Turn the ignition off.
      C. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
      D. Install a clamp-type ammeter between the positive (+) battery terminal and the generator "B" terminal.
      E. Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 150 A) in series between the "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. Make sure to connect the negative (-) lead of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire.
      • Tighten each connection securely, as high current will flow. Do not rely on clips.
      F. Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20 V) between the "B" terminal and ground. Connect the positive (+) lead to the alternator "B" terminal and the negative (-) lead to a good ground.
      G. Connect the negative (-) battery terminal.
      H. Leave the engine hood open.
    2. Test
      A. Make sure the voltmeter shows the same value as the battery voltage. If the voltmeter shows 0 V, the wire between the alternator "B" terminal and the battery positive (+) terminal is open, or a poor ground is suspected.
      B. Start the engine and turn on the headlights.
      C. Turn on the high beam headlights and set the heater blower switch to HIGH. Quickly increase the engine speed to 2500 rpm and read the maximum output current value indicated on the ammeter.
      • After the engine starts, the charging current drops quickly. Therefore, perform the above operation quickly to read the maximum current value correctly.
    3. Result
Specified Electrical Value Check (Using Voltmeter and Clamp-Type Ammeter)

Wiring Diagrams

Circuit Diagram ...

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Symptom / Suspected Area / Remedy: Charge warning light does not come on with ignition on and engine off. Blown fuse – Check fuses. Burned-out bulb – Replace bulb. Wiring connection ...

Additional information:

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Hyundai Elantra AD (2016-2020) Service Manual: Seat Belt Buckle Switch (BS), Description and Operation
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