A running engine rotates the rotor through the belt, exciting an alternating current in the stator winding, which rises to a certain level and, passing through the rectifier diodes, becomes constant. Most of the current energy is used to recharge the batteries and power the electrical equipment of the car. A small part of the energy is returned to the generator winding to increase its energy efficiency. When the voltage in the stator winding reaches a certain critical value, the stabilizer prevents any further increase and the voltage is kept within certain limits.
To date, a 12 volt generator is used in a HONDA car (in fact, the voltage generated should be higher: 13.5-15.1 volts). Current may vary depending on model, year of manufacture and accessories. All generators use either a transistorized, unregulated voltage stabilizer, or generator current control via an on-board computer (ECU), which also calculates fuel injection. The 1984-87 PRELUDE uses an external stabilizer mounted on the right leg of the landing gear; all others are located in the generator housing.