Kia Picanto: Engine Electrical System / Charging System

Kia Picanto JA 2017-2024 Service & Repair Manual / Engine Electrical System / Charging System

Components and components location
Components

① ECM
② Battery
③ Alternator
④ Starter
⑤ Instrument Cluster
⑥ Ignition switch or start/stop button
⑦ Battery sensor
⑧ Hood switch
Description and operation
Description
The charging system consists of a battery, an alternator with a built-in regulator, and the charging indicator light and wire.
The Alternator has eight built-in diodes, each rectifying AC current to DC current.
Therefore, DC current appears at alternator "B" terminal.
The charging voltage of this alternator is regulated by the battery voltage detection system. The main components of the alternator are the rotor, stator, rectifier, capacitor brushes, bearings and V-ripped belt pulley. The brush holder contains a built-in electronic voltage regulator.
Alternator Management System
Alternator management system controls the charging voltage set point in order to improve fuel economy, manage alternator load under various operating conditions, keep the battery charged, and protect the battery from over-charging. ECM controls generating voltage by duty cycle (charging control, discharging control, normal control) based on the battery conditions and vehicle operating conditions.
The system conducts discharging control when the vehicle accelerates. Vehicle reduces an alternator load and consumes an electric power from the battery.
The system conducts charging control when the vehicle decelerates. Vehicle increases an alternator load and charges the battery.
Schematic diagrams
Circuit Diagram

Repair procedures
Inspection
Inspection Item
Battery efficiency inspection
Battery voltage inspection
Charging voltage insptection
General inspection
Terminal tightening state inspection
Engine/ transmission ground state inspection
Wiring harness ground state inspection
Electrical specification Inspection
Vehicle parasitic current inspection
Battery capacity inspection
Battery Efficiency Inspection
   
Check that the battery cables are connected to the correct terminals.
Disconnect the battery cables when the battery is given a quick charge.
Never disconnect the battery while the engine is running.
Perform battery test by using the load tester and battery tester.
Battery Voltage Inspection
1.
After having driven the vehicle and in the case that 20 minutes have not passed after having stopped the engine, turn the ignition switch ON and turn on the electrical system (headlamp, blower motor, rear defogger etc.) for 60 seconds to remove the surface charge.
2.
Turn the ignition switch OFF and turn off the electrical systems.
3.
Measure the battery voltage between the negative (-) and positive (+) terminals of the battery.
Standard voltage : Approximately 12.5 - 12.9 V [at 20°C (68°F)]
If the voltage is less than specification, charge the battery.
General Inspection
1.
Check that the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
(Refer to Charging System - "Battery")
2.
Check the fuses for continuity.
Alternator Fuse
(1)
Check the alternator fuse for continuity.

(2)
Measure the voltage as shown in the image below.
Standard value : Approximately 0 V

(3)
If the alternator fuse is blown, replace it as in the procedure below:
a.
Turn ignition switch OFF and disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal.
b.
Remove the battery positive (+) cable mounting nut..
c.
Replace the nominal alternator fuse or battery cable.
d.
Install in the reverse order of removal.
3.
Inspect the drive belt.
(1)
Visually check the belt for excessive wear, frayed cords, etc.
If any defect has been found, replace the drive belt.
   
Cracks on the rib side of a belt are considered acceptable. If the belt has chunks missing from the ribs, it should be replaced.

4.
Measure and adjust drive belt tension.
(Refer to Engine Mechanical System - "Drive Belt")
5.
Visually check alternator wiring and listen for abnormal noises.
(1)
Check that the wiring is in good condition.
(2)
Check that there is no abnormal noise from the alternator while the engine is running.
6.
Check the discharge warning light circuit.
(1)
Warm up the engine and then turn it off.
(2)
Turn off all accessories.
(3)
Turn the ignition switch ON. Check that the discharge warning lamp is illuminated.
(4)
Start the engine. Check that the lamp is illuminated.
If the lamp does not turn off as specified, troubleshoot the discharge light circuit.
Terminal Tightening State Inspection
   
Alternator B+ terminal state
Alternator B+ terminal tightening nut
Battery positive (+) terminal state
Battery positive (+) terminal tightening nut state
Battery negative (-) terminal state
Battery negative (-) terminal tightening nut state
Battery negative (-) terminal mounting bolt tightening state (Chassis ground)
Battery sensor negative (-) terminal state (With battery sensor)
Battery sensor negative (-) terminal tightening nut state (With battery sensor)
Battery sensor negative (-) terminal mounting bolt tightening state (Chassis ground) [With battery sensor]
Engine room fuse & relay box positive (+) harness state
Engine room fuse & relay box positive (+) harness tightening nut state
Check the status of ground fault by chassis paint
Inspection Component Location

1. Alternator B+ terminal
2. Engine room fuse & relay box positive (+) terminal
3. Battery negative (+) terminal
4. Battery negative (-) terminal
5. Chassis ground

Engine/ Transaxle Ground State Inspection
   
Ground state
Mounting bolt tightening state (Chassis)
Mounting bolt tightening state (Engine)
Check the status of ground fault by chassis paint
Wiring harness ground state inspection
   
Ground state
Mounting bolt tightening state (Chassis)
Mounting bolt tightening state (Engine)
Check the status of ground fault by chassis paint

1. Engine ground (Engine ↔ Chassis)
2. Transmission ground (Transmission ↔ Chassis)

   
Check the ground point.
(Refer to ETM Harness Layout - "Ground Point")
Electrical Specified Value Inspection (Using the Voltmeter and Ammeter)
1.
Voltage Drop Test of Alternator Output Wire
This test determines whether or not the wiring between the alternator "B" terminal and the battery (+) terminal is good by the voltage drop method.
(1)
Preparation
a.
Turn the ignition switch to "OFF".
b.
Disconnect the output wire from the alternator "B" terminal. Connect the (+) lead wire of ammeter to the "B" terminal of alternator and the (-) lead wire of ammeter to the output wire. Connect the (+) lead wire of voltmeter to the "B" terminal of alternator and the (-) lead wire of voltmeter to the (+) terminal of battery.

(2)
Test
a.
Start the engine.
b.
Turn on the headlamps and blower motor, adjust the engine speed until the ammeter indicates 20A and read the voltmeter.
(3)
Result
a.
The voltmeter should indicate as specified.
Standard value : 0.2V max
b.
If the value of the voltmeter is higher than expected (above 0.2V max.), poor wiring is suspected. In this case check the wiring from the alternator "B" terminal to the battery (+) terminal. Check for loose connections, color change due to an over-heated harness, etc. Correct them before testing again.
c.
Upon completion of the test, set the engine speed at idle. Turn off the headlamps, blower motor and the ignition switch.
2.
Output Current Test
This test determines whether or not the alternator gives an output current equivalent to the normal output.
(1)
Preparation
a.
Prior to the test, check the following items and correct as necessary.
Check the battery installed in the vehicle to ensure that it is in good condition. Refer to the "Battery" section for checking battery.
The battery used to test the output current should be partially discharged.
With a fully charged battery, the test may not be conducted correctly due to an insufficient load.
Check the tension of the alternator drive belt. Refer to the "Inspect drive belt" section for checking the belt tension.
b.
Turn off the ignition switch.
c.
Disconnect the battery ground cable.
d.
Disconnect the alternator output wire from the alternator "B" terminal.
e.
Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 150A) in series between the "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. Be sure to connect the (-) lead wire of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire.
   
Tighten each connection securely, as heavy current will flow. Do not rely on clips.
f.
Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20V) between the "B" terminal and ground. Connect the (+) lead wire to the alternator "B" terminal and (-) lead wire to a good ground.
g.
Connect the battery ground cable.
h.
Leave the engine hood open.

(2)
Test
a.
Check to see that the voltmeter reads the same as the battery voltage. If the voltmeter reads 0 V, an open circuit in the wire between alternator "B" terminal and battery (+) terminal or poor grounding is suspected.
b.
Start the engine and turn on the headlamps.
c.
Set the headlamps to high beam and the heater blower switch to HIGH. Then, quickly increase the engine speed to 2,500 rpm and read the maximum output current value indicated by the ammeter.
   
After the engine start up, the charging current quickly drops. Therefore, the above operation must be done quickly to read the maximum current value correctly.
(3)
Result
a.
The ammeter reading must be higher than the limit value. If it is lower despite the alternator output wire is in good condition, remove the alternator from the vehicle and test it.
Limit value : 60% of the voltage rate
   
• The nominal output current value is shown on the nameplate affixed to the alternator body.
   
The output current value changes with the electrical load and the temperature of the alternator itself. Therefore, the nominal output current may not be obtained. If such is the case, keep the headlamps on to discharge the battery or use lights of other vehicles to increase the electrical load.
The nominal output current may not be obtained if the temperature of the alternator itself or ambient temperature is too high. In such a case, lower the temperature before testing again.
b.
Upon completion of the output current test, lower the engine speed to idle and turn off the ignition switch.
c.
Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal.
d.
Remove the ammeter and voltmeter and the engine tachometer.
e.
Connect the alternator output wire to the alternator "B" terminal.
f.
Connect the battery negative (-) terminal.
3.
Regulated Voltage Test
The purpose of this test is to check that the electronic voltage regulator controls voltage correctly.
(1)
Preparation
a.
Prior to the test, check the following items and correct if necessary.
Check that the battery installed on the vehicle is fully charged. Refer to the "Battery" section for checking the battery.
Check the alternator drive belt tension. Refer to the "Inspect drive belt" section for checking the belt tension.
b.
Turn ignition switch to "OFF".
c.
Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal.
d.
Connect a digital voltmeter between the "B" terminal of the alternator and ground. Connect the (+) lead of the voltmeter to the "B" terminal of the alternator. Connect the (-) lead to good ground or the battery (-) terminal.
e.
Disconnect the alternator output wire from the alternator "B" terminal.
f.
Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 150A) in series between the "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. Connect the (-) leadwire of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire.
g.
Connect the battery negative (-) terminal.

(2)
Test
a.
Turn on the ignition switch and check to see that the voltmeter indicates the following value.
Voltage : Battery voltage
If it reads 0V, there is an open circuit in the wire between the alternator "B" terminal and the battery and the battery (-) terminal.
b.
Start the engine. Keep all lights and accessories off.
c.
Run the engine at a speed of about 2,500 rpm and read the voltmeter when the alternator output current drops to 10A or less
(3)
Result
a.
If the voltmeter reading doesn't agree with the standard value, the voltage regulator or the alternator is faulty.
Regulated Voltage : 11.7 - 15.3V
b.
If the voltmeter reading doesn't agree with the standard value, the voltage regulator or the alternator is faulty.
c.
Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal.
d.
Remove the voltmeter and ammeter.
e.
Connect the alternator output wire to the alternator "B" terminal.
f.
Connect the battery negative (-) terminal.
Electrical Specifications Inspection (Using the Voltmeter and Clamp type Ammeter)
1.
Voltage Drop Test of Alternator Output Wire
This test determines whether or not the wiring between the alternator "B" terminal and the battery (+) terminal is good by the voltage drop method.
(1)
Preparation
a.
Turn the ignition switch to "OFF".
b.
Install the clamp type ammeter between battery positive (+) and alternator "B" terminal.
c.
Connect the (+) lead wire of voltmeter to the "B" terminal of alternator and the (-) lead wire of voltmeter to the (+) terminal of battery.

(2)
Test
a.
Start the engine.
b.
Turn on the headlamps and blower motor. Then, adjust the engine speed until the ammeter indicates 20A and read the voltmeter.
(3)
Result
a.
The voltmeter should indicate as specified.
Standard value : 0.2V max
b.
If the value of the voltmeter is higher than expected (up to 0.2 V), poor wiring is suspected. In this case, check the wiring from the alternator "B" terminal to the battery (+) terminal. Check for loose connections, color change due to an overheated harness, etc. Correct them before testing again.
c.
Upon completion of the test, set the engine speed at idle.Turn off the headlamps, blower motor and the ignition switch.
2.
Output Current Test
This test determines whether or not the alternator gives an output current equivalent to the normal output.
(1)
Preparation
a.
Prior to the test, check the following items and correct as necessary.
Check the battery installed in the vehicle to ensure that it is good condition. Refer to the "Battery" section for checking the battery.
The battery used to test the output current should be partially discharged.
With a fully charged battery, the test may not be conducted correctly due to an insufficient load.
Check the tension of the alternator drive belt. Refer to the "Inspect drive belt" section for checking the belt tension.
b.
Turn off the ignition switch.
c.
Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal.
d.
Install the clamp type ammeter between battery positive (+) and alternator "B" terminal.
e.
Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 150A) in series between the "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. Be sure to connect the (-) lead wire of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire.
   
Tighten each connection securely, as heavy current will flow. Do not rely on clips.
f.
Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20V) between the "B" terminal and ground. Connect the (+) lead wire to the alternator "B" terminal and (-) lead wire to a good ground.
g.
Connect the battery negative (-) terminal.
h.
Leave the engine hood open.

(2)
Test
a.
Check to see that the voltmeter reads the same as the battery voltage. If the voltmeter reads 0 V, an open circuit in the wire between alternator "B" terminal and battery (+) terminal or poor grounding is suspected.
b.
Start the engine and turn on the headlamps.
c.
Set the headlamps to high beam and the heater blower switch to HIGH. Then, quickly increase the engine speed to 2,500 rpm and read the maximum output current on the ammeter.
   
After the engine start up, the charging current quickly drops. Therefore, the above operation must be done quickly to read the maximum current value correctly.
(3)
Result
a.
The ammeter reading must be higher than the limit value. If it is lower despite the alternator output wire is in good condition, remove the alternator from the vehicle and test it.
Limit value : 60% of the voltage rate
   
• The nominal output current value is shown on the nameplate affixed to the alternator body.
   
The output current value changes with the electrical load and the temperature of the alternator itself. Therefore, the nominal output current may not be obtained. If such is the case, keep the headlamps on to discharge the battery or use lights of other vehicles to increase the electrical load.
The nominal output current may not be obtained if the temperature of the alternator itself or ambient temperature is too high. In such case, lower the temperature before testing again.
b.
Upon completion of the output current test, lower the engine speed to idle and turn off the ignition switch.
c.
Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal.
d.
Remove the ammeter and voltmeter and the engine tachometer.
e.
Connect the alternator output wire to the alternator "B" terminal.
f.
Connect the battery negative (-) terminal.
3.
Regulated Voltage Test
The purpose of this test is to check that the electronic voltage regulator controls voltage correctly.
(1)
Preparation
a.
Prior to the test, check the following items and correct if necessary.
Check that the battery installed on the vehicle is fully charged. Refer to the "Battery" section for checking the battery.
Check the alternator drive belt tension. Refer to the "Inspect drive belt" section for checking the belt tension.
b.
Turn ignition switch to "OFF".
c.
Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal.
d.
Connect a digital voltmeter between the "B" terminal of the alternator and ground. Connect the (+) lead of the voltmeter to the "B" terminal of the alternator. Connect the (-) lead to good ground or the battery (-) terminal.
e.
Disconnect the alternator output wire from the alternator "B" terminal.
f.
Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 150A) in series between the "B" terminal and the disconnected output wire. Connect the (-) lead wire of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire.
g.
Connect the negative (-) battery terminal.

(2)
Test
a.
Turn on the ignition switch and check that the voltmeter indicates the following value.
Voltage : Battery voltage
If it reads 0V, there is an open circuit in the wire between the alternator "B" terminal and the battery and the battery (-) terminal.
b.
Start the engine. Keep all lights and accessories turned off.
c.
Run the engine at a speed of about 2,500 rpm and read the voltmeter when the alternator output current drops to 10A or less
(3)
Result
a.
If the voltmeter reading does not agree with the standard value, the voltage regulator or the alternator is faulty.
Regulated Voltage : 11.7 - 15.3V
b.
If the voltmeter reading does not agree with the standard value, the voltage regulator or the alternator is faulty.
c.
Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
d.
Remove the voltmeter and ammeter.
e.
Connect the alternator output wire to the alternator "B" terminal.
f.
Connect the negative (-) battery terminal.
Vehicle parasitic current inspection
[Using the Ammeter]
1.
Turn all electric devices OFF, and then turn the ignition switch OFF.
2.
Close all doors except the engine hood, and then lock all doors.
(1)
Disconnect the hood switch connector.
(2)
Close the trunk lid.
(3)
Close the doors or remove the door switches.
3.
Wait for a few minutes until the vehicle’s electrical systems go to sleep mode.
   
For an accurate measurement of a vehicle parasitic current, all electrical systems should be in sleep mode. (It takes at least one hour or at most one day.) However, an approximate vehicle parasitic current can be measured after 10 - 20 minutes.
4.
Connect an ammeter in series between the battery (-) terminal and the ground cable, and then disconnect the clamp from the battery (-) terminal slowly.
   
Make sure that the lead wires of the ammeter are securely connected to battery (-) terminal and ground to prevent the battery from being reset. In case the battery is reset, connect the battery cable again, and then start the engine or turn the ignition switch ON for more than 10 seconds. Repeat the procedure from No. 1.
To prevent the battery from being reset during the inspection:
1)
Connect a jump cable between the battery (-) terminal and the ground cable.
2)
Disconnect the ground cable from the battery (-) terminal.
3)
Connect an ammeter between the battery (-) terminal and the ground cable.
4)
After disconnecting the jump cable, read the current value of the ammeter.

5.
Read the current value of the ammeter.
If the parasitic current is over the limit value, search for abnormal circuit by removing the fuses one by one and checking for parasitic current.
Reconnect only the fuse suspected of parasitic current and search for the problematic unit by removing the components connected to the circuit one by one until the parasitic draw drops below limit value.
Limit value (after 10 - 20 min.) : Below 50mA
[Using the Clamp type Ammeter]
1.
Turn all electric devices OFF, and then turn the ignition switch OFF.
2.
Close all doors except the engine hood, and then lock all doors.
(1)
Disconnect the hood switch connector.
(2)
Close the trunk lid.
(3)
Close the doors or remove the door switches.
3.
Wait for a few minutes until the vehicle’s electrical systems go to sleep mode.
   
For an accurate measurement of a vehicle parasitic current, all electrical systems should be in sleep mode. (It takes at least one hour or at most one day.) However, an approximate vehicle parasitic current can be measured after 10 - 20 minutes.
4.
Install the clamp type ammerter on battery negative (-) terminal.

5.
Read the current value of the ammeter.
If the parasitic current is over the limit value, search for abnormal circuit by removing the fuses one by one and checking for parasitic current.
Reconnect only the fuse suspected of parasitic current and search for the problematic unit by removing the components connected to the circuit one by one until the parasitic draw drops below limit value.
Limit value (after 10 - 20 min.) : Below 50mA
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Symptom
Suspect Area
Remedy
Charging warning indicator does not
turn ON during ignition switch "ON"
and engine off.
Fuse blown
Check fuses
Lamp burned out
Replace light
Wiring connection loose
Tighten loose connection
Electronic voltage regulator
If lamp turns off, replace voltage regulator. 
Charging warning indicator does not
turn OFF during engine running.
(Battery requires frequent recharging)
Drive belt loose or worn
Adjust belt tension or replace belt
Battery cable loose, corroded or worn
Inspect cable connection, repair or replace cable
Electronic voltage regulator or alternator
If light turns off, replace voltage regulator or alternator
Wiring
Repair or replace wiring
Overcharge
Electronic voltage regulator
If light turns off, replace voltage regulator. 
Voltage sensing wire
Repair or replace wiring
Discharge
Drive belt loose or worn
Adjust belt tension or replace belt
Wiring connection loose or short circuit
Inspect wiring connection, repair or replace wiring
Electronic voltage regulator or alternator
If light turns off, replace voltage regulator or alternator
Poor grounding
Inspect or repair grounding.
Worn battery
Replace battery

Engine Electrical System
Specifications Specification Ignition System Spark plug Item Specification Type ELR11ISPC8+ Gap 0.7 - 0.8 mm (0.0 ...

Alternator
Specifications Specification ▷ 13.5V, 120A [ISG only] Item Specification Rated voltage 13.5V, 120A Speed in use 1,000 ...

Other information:

Kia Picanto JA 2017-2024 Service & Repair Manual: Emergency Call (eCall) Button


Components and components location Component Repair procedures Removal 1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal. 2. Using a screwdriver or remover, separate the map lamp lens (A) from the map lamp. 3. Remove the map lamp (A) after loosening the screws. ...

Kia Picanto JA 2017-2024 Service & Repair Manual: Rear Wheel Speed Sensor


Repair procedures Removal 1. Remove the wheel tire (A). Tightening torque: 107.9 - 127.5 N·m (11.0 - 13.0 kgf·m, 79.6 - 94.0 lb·ft) 2. Remove the luggage side trim. (Refer to Body - "Luggage Side Trim") 3. Disconnect the rear wheel speed sensor con ...

Copyright © www.kpicanto.com 2017-2024