System Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Nissan Versa. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The generator provides DC voltage to operate the vehicle's electrical system and to keep the battery charged. The voltage output is controlled by the IC regulator.

Power is supplied at all times to generator terminal 3 through

10A fuse (No. 29, located in the fuse and fusible link box).
Power is supplied through terminal 1 to charge the battery and operate the vehicle's electrical system. Output voltage is monitored at terminal 3 by the IC regulator. The charging circuit is protected by the 120A fusible link [letter a, located in the fusible link box (battery)].

Ground is supplied
to generator terminal 5
through body ground F5, and
through the generator case to the cylinder block
With the ignition switch in the ON or START position, power is supplied
through 10A fuse [No. 3, located in the fuse block (J/B)]
to combination meter terminal 28 for the charge warning lamp.

The IC regulator controls ground to terminal 38 of the combination meter through terminal 2 of the generator. When the ignition is turned on and power becomes available at terminal 2, this "wakes up" the regulator. The regulator monitors charge output and grounds terminal 2 or leaves it open depending on charge output. With power and ground supplied, the charge warning lamp will illuminate. When the generator is providing sufficient voltage, the ground is opened and the charge warning lamp will go off.

If the charge warning lamp illuminates with the engine running, a malfunction is indicated.