1958 FIAT 500 voltage regulator

CHAPTER 11
THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
11:1 Description
11:2 Battery
11:3 The generator
11:4 The starter
11:5 The control box
1 1 : 6 Fuses
1 1 : 7 Flasher unit
11:1 Description
All models covered by this manual have 12 volts
electrical systems in which the negative battery terminal
is earthed. There are three units in the regulator box to
control the charging circuit; a cut-out, a current regulator
and a voltage regulator. These are adjustable but it must
be stressed that accurate moving coil meters are required
when checking or altering the settings. Cheap and
unreliable instruments will make accurate adjustments
impossible.
There are wiring diagrams in Technical Data at the end
of this manual to enable those with electrical experience
to trace and correct wiring faults.
For t h e U.K. Market the headlamps are of the double
filament dipping renewable bulb type with adjustments
for individual beam settings.
The battery is located in the front compartment
forward of the petrol tank and the fuses to the rear o f the
petrol tank.
Detailed instructions for servicing the electrical equip-
ment will be found in this chapter, but it must be pointed
out that it is not sensible to try to repair that which is
seriously defective, electrically or mechanically. Such
equipment should be replaced by new units which can
be obtained on an exchange basis.
F500111
11 :8 Windscreen wipers
1 1 : 9 The lighting system
11:10 Panel and warning lights
11:11 The horn
11:12 Lighting and flasher switch
1 1 : 1 3 Fault diagnosis
11.2 The battery
This of the 12-volt lead/acid type and has to meet
heavy demands for current particularly in the winter. To
maintain the performance of the battery at its maximum
it is essential to carry out the following operations.
Keep the top of the battery and surrounding parts dry
and clean, as dampness can cause leakage between the
securing clamps and the battery terminals. Clean off any
corrosion from the metal parts of the battery mounting
with diluted ammonia and paint them with an anti-
sulphuric paint. If the terminal posts are corroded,
remove the cables and clean w i t h diluted ammonia.
Smear the posts w i t h petroleum jelly before remaking the
connections and fit the terminals securely. High electrical
resistance due to corrosion at the terminal posts is often
responsible for lack of sufficient current to operate the
starter motor.
Ensure t h a t the filler plugs are in good condition and
show no signs of cracks. This may cause leakage of
electrolyte and consequent corrosion. Test the condition
of the cells after topping-up the electrolyte level with
distilled water to just above the tops of the separators as
shown in FIG 11 :2 . Never add neat acid. If it is
necessary to make a new electrolyte due to loss by
spillage add sulphuric acid to the
distilled water.
It is highly dangerous to add water to acid.

4
53 2 1
7
6
FIG 11 :6 Regulator assembly GN 1.12.16
Key to Fig 11:6 1 Voltage regulator adjusting spring
2 Current regulator adjusting spring 3 Cutout adjusting
spring 4 Voltage regulator adjustment arm 5 Current
regulator adjustment arm 6 Cutout adjustment blade spring
7 Soldering of cutout shunt and series winding
FIG 11:7 Wiring diagram for checking the cutout
closing voltage
Key to Fig 1 1 : 7 GR Regulator GN 1.12.16 G Generator
FIAT DSV 90.12.1 6.3 S V Voltmeter, 20 V scale (0.5%
accuracy) L 12 V, 3 to 5 W bulb
FIG 11:8 Wiring diagram for checking the reverse
current of cutout
Key to Fig 11:8 GR Regulator GN 1.1 2.1 6 G Generator
FIAT DSV 90.1 2.1 6.3 S B Battery, 50 Ah, fully charged
A Ammeter, asymmetrical scale 10-0-15 A V Voltmeter,
20 V scale (0.5% accuracy)
116spring 13. Should any defect be found then the pinion
assembly must be renewed as one complete unit. After
examining to ensure that there are no defects thoroughly
clean using petrol.
Reassembling and refitting the starter:
In both cases this is a simple reversal of the dismantling
procedure. Grease t h e drive splines and the engagement
lever groove in the sleeve.
11:5 The control box:
Description:
The generator regulator fitted to the new 500 model
consists of three separate
units; voltage regulator,
current regulator, cut-out relay (see FIG 11 :6).
The voltage regulator and current regulator relays
comprise a U-shaped body one of whose arms is bent
to form a flange, whilst the other adjustment arm pro-
vides a stop for the hinge spring. The U-shaped body is
secured to the frame by the core threaded shank and
carries, on the flanged end, an armature supported by a
hinge spring which comprises a steel leaf and bi-metal
leaf overimposed in the current regulator and bi-metal
leaf in the voltage regulator. The armature carries the
movable contact.
Fixed contacts of both voltage and current regulators
are mounted on t w o blade springs which are secured to a
single bracket rivetted to the U-shaped adjustment arm.
The design of the t w o fixed contacts carrier blade springs
is such as to permit the adjustment of the contact
position by suitably bending the blade springs. The cut-
out is similar in design to the other two relays as shown
in FIG 11:6. Again the hinge spring is bi-metallic as in
the voltage regulator.
All the armatures are provided w i t h blade springs, so
that the tension may be adjusted to the required setting
value. This adjustment is obtained by bending the
adjustment arms.
The voltage regulator coil comprises a fine wire wind-
ing w i t h a great number of turns, shunt connected to the
generator.
The cut-out coil comprises a fine wire winding with a
great number of turns shunt connected to the generator,
and of a winding comprising a few turns of heavy gauge
wire, which is connected in series w i t h the generator
charge circuit (cut-out series winding).
The current regulator coil comprises a few turns of
heavy gauge wire which is series connected with the
generator charge circuit.
The generator regulator base has three terminals to
which the various cables are connected.
No. 51 — connection to generator positive terminal.
No. 67 — connection to generator field winding.
No. 30 — connection to electrical accessories.
The regulator cover is secured to the base w i t h a
rubber gasket placed in between which seals the unit
against the ingress of moisture or dust.
A regulation resistor is fitted under the base and is
secured to the voltage regulator and current regulator
relay core threaded shanks.

Checking cut-out:
1 Closing voltage:
This test should be carried out at a temperature of
25°±10°C and the regulator should be connected to a
generator test bed as shown in FIG 11:7. The unit should
be operated under no load conditions for between 15 -
18 minutes with the cover installed and w i t h a voltage of
between 16.5 volts for an initial operating temperature of
15-20°C or 15 volts for an initial operating temperature
of 20-35°C. This will enable thermal stabilization of the
unit to be obtained so that the temperature of both the
cut-out shunt windings and the bymetallic springs
increase due to the heat developed by the windings and
reaches the normal operating setting.
Once thermal stabilization has been obtained the
generator should be restarted and the speed gradually
increased so that immediately the test lamp starts to
glow the voltmeter reading may be taken. This will be
the value of the cut-out contact closing voltage.
2 Reverse current:
This check should be carried out at a temperature range
of between 25°±10°C and it is recommended that it is
performed as soon as possible after the closing voltage
test so that the thermal stabilization remains unaltered.
Connect the regulator as shown in FIG 11:8 and
gradually speed up the generator to 4500 rev/min for
approximately 5 minutes. Ensure that the voltmeter reads
at least 14.5 volts and then gradually reduce the generator
speed carefully watching the movement of the ammeter
needle which should at first indicate a charging current
and then gradually move to zero and then to the other side
of the scale to indicate reverse current value. If the
generator speed is reduced further the reverse current
reading will increase to a given value and then suddenly
fall to zero which will indicate that the cut-out contact
has opened. This limit indicates the maximum reverse
current value which should not, under any circumstances,
exceed 16 amps.
During this test, to obtain the maximum reverse
current possible the reduction in generator speed must
not take more than 10 seconds otherwise the battery
voltage will drop excessively.
Checking voltage regulator:
This test should be carried out w i t h the regulator under
half load and at a temperature of 50°± 3°C. Connect the
regulator as shown in FIG 11:9 and operate the regulator
for approximately 30 minutes by supplying a current half
that of regulated current which is 1 6 ±5 amp. Once the
regulator has been brought to the required temperature
stop the generator and start it again, gradually increasing
the speed to a maximum of 4500 rev/min. Adjust the
rheostat for a generator output corresponding to half load
current of 8 ± 2 amps. When this generator output has
been set the voltage should be 14.2± .3 volts.
Checking current regulator:
Leave the regulator connected as shown in
FIG 11 :10
and this test must be carried out immediately after testing
the half load regulated voltage of the voltage regulator
when connected to a battery. Check that the ammeter
fitted will accommodate a 40 amp deflection: if not a
F500117
FIG 11 :9 Wiring diagram for checking the current and
voltage regulators
Key to Fig 11:9 GR Regulator GN 1.1 2.1 6 G Generator
FIAT D 90.12.16.3 V Voltmeter, 20 V scale (0.5% accuracy)
A Ammeter, 20 A scale (to check voltage regulator) and 40 A
scale (to check current regulator)
B Battery, 50 Ah, fully chargedR Rheostat, 25 A. 3
FIG 11 :10 Wiring diagram for setting the cut-out relay
Key to Fig 11 :10 B 2 V battery B 20 V batteryA Ammeter, 20 A scale ( 1 % accuracy) V Voltmeter, 20 V
scale (0.5% accuracy), directly connected to terminals 31—51
P Potentiometer for voltage adjustment, having such a capacity
that the current draw of the cut-out shunt winding does not
cause sensible variations in the voltage readings (voltmeter
under no load) S Test lamp, with 2 V, 3 W bulb, to signal
opening and closing of contacts R Rheostat, 4 12
AR Voltage drop resistor, suitable to allow turning on of A withT open and cut-out contacts open
Setting of instruments before inserting the unit: P At
minimum (voltmeter reads zero) T Open R All inserted
(max. resistance) T Open
FIG 11:11 Wiring diagram for setting the voltage and
current regulators
Key to Fig 11 :11 GR Regulator assembly GN 1.12.16
G Generator D 90.12.16.3 V Voltmeter, 20 V scale (0.5%
accuracy) A Ammeter, 20 Amp. scale (for voltage regulator),
or 40 Amp. scale (for current regulator) R Rheostat, 25
Amps., 3 Ohms B 50 Amp/h battery, fully charged I Switch

Checking cut-out:
1 Closing voltage:
This test should be carried out at a temperature of
25°±10°C and the regulator should be connected to a
generator test bed as shown in FIG 11:7. The unit should
be operated under no load conditions for between 15 -
18 minutes with the cover installed and w i t h a voltage of
between 16.5 volts for an initial operating temperature of
15-20°C or 15 volts for an initial operating temperature
of 20-35°C. This will enable thermal stabilization of the
unit to be obtained so that the temperature of both the
cut-out shunt windings and the bymetallic springs
increase due to the heat developed by the windings and
reaches the normal operating setting.
Once thermal stabilization has been obtained the
generator should be restarted and the speed gradually
increased so that immediately the test lamp starts to
glow the voltmeter reading may be taken. This will be
the value of the cut-out contact closing voltage.
2 Reverse current:
This check should be carried out at a temperature range
of between 25°±10°C and it is recommended that it is
performed as soon as possible after the closing voltage
test so that the thermal stabilization remains unaltered.
Connect the regulator as shown in FIG 11:8 and
gradually speed up the generator to 4500 rev/min for
approximately 5 minutes. Ensure that the voltmeter reads
at least 14.5 volts and then gradually reduce the generator
speed carefully watching the movement of the ammeter
needle which should at first indicate a charging current
and then gradually move to zero and then to the other side
of the scale to indicate reverse current value. If the
generator speed is reduced further the reverse current
reading will increase to a given value and then suddenly
fall to zero which will indicate that the cut-out contact
has opened. This limit indicates the maximum reverse
current value which should not, under any circumstances,
exceed 16 amps.
During this test, to obtain the maximum reverse
current possible the reduction in generator speed must
not take more than 10 seconds otherwise the battery
voltage will drop excessively.
Checking voltage regulator:
This test should be carried out w i t h the regulator under
half load and at a temperature of 50°± 3°C. Connect the
regulator as shown in FIG 11:9 and operate the regulator
for approximately 30 minutes by supplying a current half
that of regulated current which is 1 6 ±5 amp. Once the
regulator has been brought to the required temperature
stop the generator and start it again, gradually increasing
the speed to a maximum of 4500 rev/min. Adjust the
rheostat for a generator output corresponding to half load
current of 8 ± 2 amps. When this generator output has
been set the voltage should be 14.2± .3 volts.
Checking current regulator:
Leave the regulator connected as shown in
FIG 11 :10
and this test must be carried out immediately after testing
the half load regulated voltage of the voltage regulator
when connected to a battery. Check that the ammeter
fitted will accommodate a 40 amp deflection: if not a
F500117
FIG 11 :9 Wiring diagram for checking the current and
voltage regulators
Key to Fig 11:9 GR Regulator GN 1.1 2.1 6 G Generator
FIAT D 90.12.16.3 V Voltmeter, 20 V scale (0.5% accuracy)
A Ammeter, 20 A scale (to check voltage regulator) and 40 A
scale (to check current regulator)
B Battery, 50 Ah, fully chargedR Rheostat, 25 A. 3
FIG 11 :10 Wiring diagram for setting the cut-out relay
Key to Fig 11 :10 B 2 V battery B 20 V batteryA Ammeter, 20 A scale ( 1 % accuracy) V Voltmeter, 20 V
scale (0.5% accuracy), directly connected to terminals 31—51
P Potentiometer for voltage adjustment, having such a capacity
that the current draw of the cut-out shunt winding does not
cause sensible variations in the voltage readings (voltmeter
under no load) S Test lamp, with 2 V, 3 W bulb, to signal
opening and closing of contacts R Rheostat, 4 12
AR Voltage drop resistor, suitable to allow turning on of A withT open and cut-out contacts open
Setting of instruments before inserting the unit: P At
minimum (voltmeter reads zero) T Open R All inserted
(max. resistance) T Open
FIG 11:11 Wiring diagram for setting the voltage and
current regulators
Key to Fig 11 :11 GR Regulator assembly GN 1.12.16
G Generator D 90.12.16.3 V Voltmeter, 20 V scale (0.5%
accuracy) A Ammeter, 20 Amp. scale (for voltage regulator),
or 40 Amp. scale (for current regulator) R Rheostat, 25
Amps., 3 Ohms B 50 Amp/h battery, fully charged I Switch

FIG 11:12 Wiring diagram for setting the cutout relay
Key to Fig 11 :12 B 2 V battery B 20 V battery
A Ammeter, 15 A scale ( 1 % accuracy) V Voltmeter, 20 V
scale (0.5% accuracy), directly connected to terminals 31-51
P Potentiometer for voltage adjustment, having such a capacity
that the current draw of the cutout shunt winding does not cause
sensible variations in the voltage readings (voltmeter under no
load) S Test lamp, with 2 V, 3 W bulb, to signal opening
and closing of contacts R Rheostat, 4 , 1 2 A R Voltagedrop rheostat, suitable to allow turning on of S with T open and
cutout contacts open
Setting of instruments before inserting the unit: P At
minimum (Voltmeter reads zero) T Open R All inserted
(max. resistance) T Open
1
2
3
4
5
6
FIG 11:13 Location of electrical system fuses
Key to Fig 11 :13 1 Fuse N o . 30.2 2 Fuse N o . 30.3
3 Fuse N o . 56.b1 4 Fuse N o . 56.b2 5 Fuse N o . 15.54
6 Fuse N o . 30
meter w i t h a fuller scale deflection of 40 amp must be
substituted. Adjust the rheostat to give maximum
resistance and operate the regulator for approximately
30 minutes with regulator controlled current and 13 volt
supply. The resistor R of the rheostat should be adjusted
until the current is steady whilst the voltage drops. This
will indicate that the unit has reached normal operating
temperature. Stop the generator, restart it and speed up
gradually to 4500 rev/min. Check that the regulated
current value corresponds to the specified value of
1 6± .5 amps. By continually reducing the resistance the
current should remain constant. The voltage however
should decrease to as l o w as 12 volts.
118
Cut-out relay adjustment:
Ascertain the type of regulator fitted and then wire to
the test unit as shown in FIG 11:10 or FIG 11 :12.
Before the unit is assembled to the test bed the instru-
ments should be set as follows:
P - at minimum so that voltmeter reads zero.
T — open.
R - all inserted giving maximum resistance.
T - open.
1 Contact closing voltage:
This test should be carried out at an ambient tempera-
ture of 25°±10°C. Close the switch T and stabilize the
regulator thermally by feeding current into it for approxi-
mately 15 to 18 minutes at 16.5 volts which is obtained
by adjusting P for initial regulator operating temperatures
of between 15°-20°C or at 15 volts for initial operating
temperatures of 20°-35°C. Once the stabilizing of the
regulator has been completed bring the voltage to 12 6±
.2 volts by adjusting P. Adjust the load on the setting
spring by bending the relevant arm until the pilot light S
is extinguished. Reset P to m inimum and again increase
the voltage by P and check that the pilot lamp is extin-
guished at the specified voltage.
2 Reverse current:
This test must be carried out at a temperature of
25°± 10°C and it is recommended that it is carried out as
soon as possible after the closing voltage test so as to
maintain minimum regulator thermal stability. With the
switch T closed bring the voltage to 14.5 volts by
operating P. The contacts of the cut-out should be closed
and the pilot lamp S off. Close T and increase the reverse
current by means of the rheostat R and check that the
pilot lamp S glows as the contacts part. The opening may
also be unsteady which will be indicated by a slight
buzz from the unit. Check the value of the ammeter of the
reverse current causing the opening of the contacts and
this should not exceed 16 amps. If the reading is unstable
or S lights up at the recommended limit reset the reverse
current to the minimum value and repeat the test once
more. Finally open the switches T and T and again
adjust rheostat R and P to the minimum settings.
Voltage regulator adjustment:
This test should be carried out at a temperature of
5 0 ° ±3 ° C . Connect the unit as shown in FIG 11 :11 and
load the voltage regulator adjusting springs by bending
the relevant arm. With the unit at the required test
temperature close 1 start the generator and stabilize
the regulator thermally by feeding a current for 30
minutes at 15 volts, which is obtained by adjusting the
generator speed. The generator should then be stopped,
I opened and the generator restarted and gradually
speeded up to 4500 rev/min. The voltage regulator
spring load adjustment should be set by suitably bending
the relevant adjusting arm and by rheostat R so as to have
a voltage of 14.2±.3 volts and a half load current of
8 ± 2 amps. Finally check the steadiness and accuracy
of the voltage regulator setting by stopping the generator
and restarting after approximately 2 minutes and gradually
speeding up to 4500 rev/min.

Before removing an apparently faulty horn check the
wiring and connections. Check that the mounting bolts
are tight and that the horn does not foul any adjacent part.
Removal and installation:
This is a straightforward operation and the only
precaution to be taken is to ensure that the rubber gasket
bonded to the horn body does not become detached. If
the horn is renewed, before installing the new horn bond
the rubber gasket to the new unit with adhesive in
the same position as was on the original horn unit fitted.
Should the horn fail to operate the following points
should be noted.
1 Damaged horn.
2 Broken connection between battery and horn.
3 Broken connection between horn and push button on
steering wheel
4 Damaged push button mechanism.
5 Directional signal and outer lighting changeover
switch blade contact failing to make contact with the
steering wheel hub ring contact.
6 Current lead displaced from the horn blade contact on
the directional signal and outer lighting switch.
7 Distorted or broken diaphragm in horn.
8 Connections or inner windings
broken or burnt.
9 Electro-magnet contact points dirty or excessively
worn.The contacts may be adjusted by the adjusting screw
after the points have been cleaned and refaced.
To adjust the tone of the horn use a ring spanner and
screwdriver as shown in FIG 11 :23.
It is recommended that if the horn unit operation is
unreliable a new unit should be fitted rather than the
original one repaired.
11:12 Lighting and flasher switch
Description:
The two switches provide a directional signal switch
which automatically returns to the rest position once a
turn has been negotiated and the steering wheel is
brought back to the straight-ahead position. The change
over switch controls the outer lights and the headlights
flasher. The complete unit is located under the steering
wheel on the steering column.
Switch unit removal:
1 Carefully pry off the horn push button at the steering
wheel centre using a fine blade screwdriver.
2 Disconnect the positive terminal of the battery.
3 Disconnect the plug in contact in the steering wheel
hub.
4 Unscrew the steering wheel retaining nut from the
inner column and remove the steering wheel from the
shaft.
5 Slacken the bolts securing the steering column support
to the body
6 Remove the plug in contacts from the switch unit
ensuring that their correct location is noted for re-
assembly.7 Remove the switch unit from the steering column.
124
Switch unit installation:
This is the reverse procedure to dismantling. It is
advisable after installation to check that the steering
wheel when in the straight-ahead position and the
directional signal switch lever in neutral, the reference
index on the outer face of the directional signal switch
drum is in line with the index on the steering wheel hub.
This will ensure correct sequence of operation.
11:13 Fault diagnosis
(a) Battery discharged
1 Lighting circuit shorted
2 Terminals loose or dirty
3 Generator not charging
4 Regulator or cut-out units not working properly
5 Battery internally defective
(b) Insufficient charging current
1 Loose or corroded battery terminals
2 Generator driving belt slipping
(c) Battery will not hold a charge
1 Low electrolyte level
2 Battery plates sulphated
3 Electrolyte leakage from cracked casing or top sealing
compound
4 Plate separators ineffective
(d) Battery overcharged
1 Voltage regulator needs adjusting
(e) Generator output low or nil
1 Belt broken or slipping
2 Regulator unit out of adjustment
3 Worn bearings, loose pole pieces
4 Commutator worn, burned or shorted
5 Armature shaft bent or worn
6 Insulation proud between commutator segments
7 Brushes sticking, springs weak or broken
8 Field coil wires shorted, broken or burned
( f ) Starter motor lacks power or will not operate
1 Battery discharged, loose cable connections
2 Starter pinion jammed in mesh with flywheel gear
3 Starter switch faulty
4 Brushes worn or sticking, heads detached or shorting
5 Commutator dirty or worn
6 Starter shaft bent
7 Engine abnormally stiff
(g) Starter motor inoperative
1 Check 1 in (f)
2 Armature or field coils faulty