Ford Falcon. Manual

414-00-2

Charging System - General Information

414-00-2

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

disconnected while the engine is running or

Description and Principles of

damage may occur to the rectifier and/or control

Operation

box semi-conductor devices. For this reason the
practice of using a slave battery to start the

The charging system consists of an alternator,

engine, then reconnecting the original battery

alternator regulator, battery, charge indicator light and

whilst the engine is running must not be

the necessary wiring to connect to the components.

attempted. It is likewise inadvisable to break or

All vehicles are equipped with a non-adjustable

make any other connections in the alternator

integral electronic regulator. Six cylinder vehicles use

circuit while the engine is running.

a Mitsubishi alternator and eight cylinder vehicles use

5. Alternator Main Output Cable

a Visteon alternator. These alternators are essentially
the same internally but the exterior casing varies.

The cable connecting the alternator and the

Both the Mitsubishi (6 Cyl.) and Visteon (8 Cyl.)

battery is ’live’ even when the engine is not

alternators are three phase alternating current (AC)

running. Care must be taken not to earth this

generators with integrally mounted diodes that convert

live cable if it should ever be removed, or

the AC into direct current (DC) suitable for charging

damage to the cable will occur.

the battery.

The alternator must never be run with the

Charging system troubles such as low alternator

main output cable disconnected either at the

output, no alternator output (indicated by the indicator

alternator or battery end while the field

light being on while the engine is running), or

remains energised or the rectifiers may be

alternator output voltage too high, require testing of

damaged.

both the alternator and the alternator regulator.

6. Arc Welding. The possibility of damage to the

Alternator regulator failures are usually not recognized

semiconductor devices during arc welding

except by the direct effect on the alternator output,

operations on a vehicle is very slight. However, it

and, hence, consequently battery discharge. As the

is a worthwhile precaution to isolate the control

regulator is the control valve for the alternator, it acts

box and alternator by disconnecting their wiring

to protect the battery by preventing excessive voltage

connectors prior to carrying out any arc welding

output.

on the vehicles.

Discharge of the battery to ground through the

Removal notes

alternator is prevented by the diodes of the alternator
which permit current flow in one direction (to the

7. Ensure battery shroud is not damaged or

battery) only. A discharged battery is not always due

dislodged during battery removal.

to charging system defects. Excessive use of lights

8. Use a universal battery removal tool to enable

and accessories while the engine is either off or

removal of battery with shroud in situ.

running at low idle; corroded battery cables and

9. Ensure shroud and venting pipes are installed

connectors; low acid level in the battery; or prolonged

correctly.

disuse of the battery, which would permit
self-discharge; are all possible reasons which should
be considered when a battery is run down or low in
charge.
The procedures which follow will assist in a logical
sequence of pinpointing specific troubles.
Always determine the cause of failure as well as
making the repair.
1. Polarity and connections. The alternator is for

use on negative earth electrical systems only.
Polarity cannot be reversed by ’flashing’ the field
terminals as with the dynamo. Any attempt to do
so will damage the alternator.

2. Refitting Vehicle Battery. Reversed battery

connections will damage the alternator rectifiers.
When refitting, first fit the positive (+) connector to
the battery positive (+) terminal. Then fit the
negative (-) connector to the negative (-) battery
terminal.

3. Battery Charging. First disconnect the battery

negative cable, thus isolating the alternator from
the battery and external charging equipment.

4. Battery Connections. The battery must never be

G34560 en

414-01-1

Battery, Mounting and Cables

414-01-1

SECTION : 414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables

VEHICLE APPLICATION : 2003.0 BA Falcon
CONTENTS

PAGE

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications .........................................................................................................................414-01-2

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

Battery and Cables ................................................................................................................414-01-3

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

Battery ....................................................................................................................................414-01-4

Inspection and Verification ...................................................................................................414-01-4

Pinpoint

Tests

......................................................................................................................414-01-4

Component Tests .................................................................................................................414-01-4

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Battery and Cables ................................................................................................................414-01-6

Battery Shroud .......................................................................................................................414-01-6

Ford Falcon. Manual - part 350