The generator provides the voltage to operate the vehicle's electrical system and to charge the battery through CKT 1 (RED). When the ignition switch is placed in RUN, narrow width pulses on CKT 23 (GRY) are supplied by the powertrain control module (PCM) to the rotor, creating a weak magnetic field. When the engine is started, the regulator senses the generator rotation by detecting AC voltage at the stator through an internal wire. Once the engine is running, the regulator varies the field current by controlling the pulse width. This regulates the generator output voltage for proper battery charging and electrical system operation.

The PCM turns on the VOLT indicator via Class 2 serial data line CKTs 1807 (PPL) whenever undervoltage, overvoltage, or a stopped generator is detected on CKT 225 (RED).