Generator — General Description (Honda Accord 3)

The generator converts part of the engine's mechanical energy into electrical energy and is an electric generator connected to the engine by a belt drive. When the ignition is on, current flows from the battery through the charging system lamp to the stabilizer and finally to the generator.

The running engine rotates the rotor through the belt, exciting alternating current in the stator winding, which increases to a certain level and, passing through the rectifier diodes, becomes direct. Most of the current energy is used to recharge the batteries and power the car's electrical equipment. A small part of the energy is returned to the generator winding to increase its energy output. When the voltage in the stator winding reaches a certain critical value, the stabilizer prevents any further increase and the voltage is maintained within certain limits.

Today, HONDA cars use a 12-volt generator (in fact, the voltage produced should be higher: 13.5-15.1 volts). The current may vary depending on the model, year of manufacture and accessories. All generators use either a transistor, non-adjustable voltage stabilizer, or generator current control, via an on-board computer (ECU), which also calculates fuel injection. On the 1984-87 PRELUDE, an external stabilizer is installed on the right strut Chassis mounts; all others are located in the generator housing.