GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The CS-144 generator is electrically similar to earlier models. The generator features the following major components:

  1. The delta stator
  2. The rectifier bridge
  3. The rotor with slip rings and brushes
  4. A conventional pulley
  5. A fan
  6. The regulator

The pulley and the fan cool the slip ring and the frame.

The CS stands for charging system; the 144 denotes the outside diameter, in millimeters, of the stator laminations. The CS-144 is rated at 124 amperes for all C and H vehicles.

The CS-144 features permanently lubricated bearings. Service should only include tightening of mount components. Otherwise, replace the generator as a complete unit.

The CS-144 generator is electrically similar to earlier models. The generator features the following major components:

  1. The delta stator
  2. The rectifier bridge
  3. The rotor with slip rings and brushes
  4. A conventional pulley
  5. A fan
  6. The regulator

The pulley and the fan cool the slip ring and the frame.

The CS stands for charging system; the 144 denotes the outside diameter, in millimeters, of the stator laminations. The CS-144 is rated at 124 amperes.

The CS-144 features permanently lubricated bearings. Service should only include tightening of mount components. Otherwise, replace the generator as a complete unit.

Regulator

The voltage regulator controls the rotor field current in order to limit the system voltage. When the field current is on, the regulator switches the current on and off at a rate of 400 cycles per second in order to perform the following functions:

    • Radio noise control
    • Obtain the correct average current needed for proper system voltage control

At high speeds, the on-time may be 10 percent with the off-time at 90 percent. At low speeds, the on-time may be 90 percent and the off-time 10 percent.

Regulator

The voltage regulator controls the rotor field current in order to limit the system voltage. When the field current is on, the regulator switches the current on and off at a rate of 400 cycles per second in order to perform the following functions:

    • Radio noise control
    • Obtain the correct average current needed for proper system voltage control

At high speeds, the on-time may be 10 percent with the off-time at 90 percent. At low speeds, the on-time may be 90 percent and the off-time 10 percent.