Dashboard classic carsdomestic production is not highly informative. There is nothing superfluous on them, except for the performance of the main engine systems, but they are also quite enough for the driver to be informed in time about possible malfunctions of the car. However, it happens that some device fails, and then it becomes impossible to determine the failure at its initial stage.
In this article we will talk about the case whenthe battery charging light is constantly on, using the popular classic cars VAZ 2106 and 2107 as an example. We will look at the main causes of this phenomenon and also try to diagnose and fix possible malfunctions.
Why do we need a battery charging signal lamp
In order for the driver to be able to controlbattery charging status; on the instrument panel there is a voltmeter with a scale, as well as a small red window under which the warning light is installed. When we insert the ignition key and turn it in the lock one turn, this lamp turns on and lights up in red. The arrow of the voltmeter is in the zero position. This means that the generator is at rest and does not charge on the battery. When the engine is started, the lamp should go out and the device arrow should be deflected to the right, indicating the amount of voltage applied to the battery. This happens when the power supply system of the machine is fully operational. But if the VAZ 2107 or 2106 battery charging light is on and, most likely, a failure has occurred somewhere after the engine was started. And our task is to find its cause and eliminate it.
What can indicate a constantly burning battery charging lamp
If in the VAZ 2107 or VAZ 2106 a light is onbattery charging, there can be only one reason - there is no voltage on the battery from the generator, or it does, but its value is insufficient. There may be several faults that lead to this:
- violation of normal contact at the terminals of the battery;
- slackening or damage to the alternator belt;
- the lack of contact of his "minus" output with the "mass";
- open in the excitation circuit of the rotor or the wear of the generator brushes;
- fault diode bridge.
- malfunction of the fuse;
- breakdown of the relay-regulator.
Before starting the diagnosis
An important point in deciding why it burnsVAZ 2107 or 2106 battery charging light bulb, is the fact of the generator voltage on the battery. In other words, if it does not come to the battery at all, there is nothing to be surprised here. The lamp must burn in a similar situation. But if the battery charging light is on, but charging is, it will be a bit more difficult to solve this problem.
Our first priority is to determineDoes the voltage on the battery. It is not difficult at all to do this, especially since all you need is just one device - a voltmeter or a multimeter included in its mode. We start the car engine, raise the hood and measure the voltage at the battery terminals while the generator is running. If all elements of the system are intact, the voltmeter should produce 13.6-14.2 V, and no less. This is a working indicator for normal battery charging. If the voltage is below these values, it means that there is some kind of malfunction.
Contact failure at battery terminals
At this stage of diagnosis, you need to checkthe condition of the terminals of the wires and the contact terminals of the battery. They are often oxidized, as a result of which the contact between them weakens. In the case when the battery light is on, but there is a charge, it is this fault that is most often the cause.
Weakening or damage to the alternator belt
In the course of diagnostics, it is necessary to checkcondition of the alternator belt. Sometimes it happens that due to its long-term work or under the influence of other factors, it is deformed, as a result of which the generator drive gives skips. Pay attention to the belt tension. Its weakening leads to the same effect.
If the belt is not deformed and has no visibledamage, you can just pull it up. Otherwise, it must be replaced. A belt tension is considered normal, at which it can be rotated around the horizontal axis by 85-90 degrees.
No contact of the output of the generator with the "mass"
This fault, like the first on our list,occurs due to oxidation pins and terminals. In addition, the violation of contact is possible due to the weakening of their attachment. The solution to this problem is to clean the terminals and terminals, as well as to treat them with a VD-40 type liquid.
Generator faults
In the case that the charging light is onbattery, but charging is (VAZ 2106, 2107), the generator is subject to mandatory verification. The most common problems in the context of our malfunction are an open circuit in the excitation circuit of the rotor or wear (damage) of the brushes.
First of all, the generator must be dismantled andto disassemble. To check the rotor winding, we use the same multimeter included in the ohmmeter mode. We connect its probes to the winding terminals and measure its resistance. In a working rotor, it should not be less than 4.5 ohms. If the resistance does not reach this value, most likely, an inter-turn short circuit has occurred somewhere. In the case when it is not detected at all, a winding break is possible.
Переходим к щеткам.We take them out of the seats and inspect for wear. If the length of the brushes does not exceed 7 millimeters or there are signs of damage on them, change them. Pay attention also to the condition of the brush collector. At detection of defects of its copper plates we change a rotor.
Diode bridge
The diode bridge serves to convertAC voltage to DC. During the breakdown of at least one of the diodes, the device ceases to cope with its tasks, which is why a voltage that does not correspond to its parameters begins to flow into the vehicle’s side circuit. That is why the rectifying bridge must be checked in the case when the battery charging light is on, but there is charging (VAZ 2107, 2106).
Determine the health of the diodes can also bethe help of the multimeter in the appropriate mode. Turn on the tester and connect the red probe to the positive output of the bridge, and the black one to one of the contacts labeled “AC”. The threshold (throughput) voltage for silicon diodes ranges from 400 to 1000 mV. If the device shows you a value that does not fit into the specified frames, the bridge must be replaced. It can not be repaired.
Fuse fault
Battery charging circuitbatteries, like any other, are protected by a fuse. It is located in the mounting block under the hood of the car. In the “six” and “sevens” this fuse is usually denoted as F10, but in any case, before checking it is better to look through the user's manual. Most often, when it malfunctions, the voltage on the battery does not flow at all, but it also happens that it is the reason that the battery charging light is on, but there is charging.
The fuse is checked by the tester after it is removed from the landing slot. If the instrument indicates that the part has become unusable, simply replace it.
Fault relay-regulator
Another reason for the light is onbattery charging, but there is charging, there may be a failure of the relay regulator. It is, in fact, responsible for the timely on-off of this lamp. In cars VAZ 2106, 2107, the relay is installed in the engine compartment on the upper part of the wheel mudguard on the right side. The principle of its operation is as follows. When the ignition is turned on (with the engine off), the current from the battery flows through its closed contacts and feeds the test lamp.
When we start the engine, the work is includedgenerator, applying to the relay is already rectified voltage. Under the action of it, the anchor of the device is attracted to the core, opening the contacts. The lamp should go out.
Check the relay yourself is easy.To do this, it is enough to disconnect both wires from it and to close them together. Start the engine and look at the warning light. If it is off, replace the relay.
Some useful tips
To avoid problems associated with a battery charging circuit failure, use the following tips.
- Often pay attention to the dashboard of the car. So you will know not only about the state of charge of the battery, but also about the work of other systems and mechanisms.
- Систематически проверяйте ремень генератора.The correct operation of the entire on-board network with the engine running depends on its condition and tension. Having found the slightest defect of a belt, do not pull with its replacement.
- Do not be lazy to check at least once a month.the amount of voltage supplied by the generator to the battery terminals. If you find inconsistencies with the recommended performance, conduct a full diagnosis of the on-board network.
- Periodically conduct a visual inspection of the condition of the battery terminals and the generator terminals. Having found their oxidation, strip them with fine sandpaper and treat with VD-40 type liquid.
- Do not allow water to enter the generator, battery and relay-regulator. It can cause a short circuit in the electrical circuit. Engine washing is better to entrust to specialists.
- During the repair of the battery charging circuit, avoid the use of spare parts that cause doubts in quality.
