The electrical system of the Patrol/Maverick series uses a Hitachi alternator. The advantage of an alternator is that the battery is already charging at idle. When checking the alternator, remember that its rated output current can be either 50 or 60 A, depending on the car model. Hitachi alternator fitted to 4.2L EFI model (since 1992 issue.) has an output current of 70 A and is distinguished by the absence of an external fan.
The generator consists of fixed stator windings, shaft windings (rotor), rectifier diode assembly and built-in voltage regulator.
When flowing through the rotor windings of electric current (supplied through brushes pressed against sliding slip rings mounted on the shaft) in him (rotor) a magnetic field is induced. When the rotor rotates, a three-phase alternating current is generated in the star-shaped stator windings.
Since the battery can only be charged using a DC power supply, the generator is equipped with a diode rectifier fixed in the cover on the slip ring side of the generator.
The strength of the output current is determined by the characteristics of the generator itself, while the output voltage is controlled by a special built-in regulator. Setting the built-in voltage regulator is not possible.
To start the engine, one of two types of Hitachi starters is used. Both starters are 12V gear type starters equipped with overrunning clutch (Bendix coupling), that disconnects the starter from the flywheel/drive plate ring gear after the engine has started.
The electromagnetic traction relay is fixed on the starter front cover bracket. The traction relay plunger, through the drive lever, acts on the drive gear assembly with the overrunning clutch.
When power is applied to the windings of the traction relay, its plunger acts on the drive lever, which engages the drive gear in engagement with the ring gear of the flywheel / drive disk, while simultaneously closing the battery power supply circuit to the excitation windings and the armature of the starter electric motor.
Once the engine is started, the drive pinion freewheel prevents damage to the motor armature by forcibly rotating it at high RPM when the driver hesitates to release the ignition key.