Symptom Troubleshooting Chart - Charging System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda Tribute. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - CHARGING SYSTEM

Problem	Possible Cause	Action
Battery is discharged or voltage is low	Circuitry. High key-off current drain(s). Battery. Generator.	GO to PINPOINT TEST 1: BATTERY IS DISCHARGED OR VOLTAGE IS LOW .
The charging system warning indicator is on with the engine running (the system voltage does not increase)	Circuitry. Generator. Powertrain control module (PCM).	GO to PINPOINT TEST 2: THE CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR IS ON WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING (THE SYSTEM VOLTAGE DOES NOT INCREASE) .
The system overcharges (battery voltage is greater than 15.5 volts)	Circuitry. Generator. Powertrain control module (PCM).	GO to PINPOINT TEST 3: THE SYSTEM OVERCHARGES (BATTERY VOLTAGE IS GREATER THAN 15.5 VOLTS) .
The charging system warning indicator is on with the engine running and the battery increases voltage	Generator. Instrument cluster. Powertrain control module (PCM).	GO to PINPOINT TEST 4: THE CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR IS ON WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE BATTERY INCREASES VOLTAGE .
The charging system warning indicator is off with the ignition switch in the RUN position and the engine off	Instrument cluster. Powertrain control module (PCM).	GO to PINPOINT TEST 5: THE CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR IS OFF WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE RUN POSITION AND THE ENGINE OFF .
The charging system warning indicator flickers or is intermittent	Instrument cluster.	INSTALL a new instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
The generator is noisy	Bolts or brackets. Drive belt. Generator or pulley.	GO to PINPOINT TEST 6: THE GENERATOR IS NOISY .
Radio interference	Generator. Circuitry. In-vehicle entertainment system.	GO to PINPOINT TEST 7: RADIO INTERFERENCE .