Honda ELD Charging System

In the early 1990’s Honda started using Two-Stage Electronic Load Detection (ELD) generator control.

The internal voltage regulator of the generator will control output at 12.6 volts (low load) or 14.5 (high load)

These systems may show low charging output until the vehicle is driving down the road!
The ELD unit monitors amp flow to determine the vehicle load conditions. The PCM uses data from the ELD,
engine RPM, Vehicle Speed, Coolant Temp, Air Temp etc. to decide if the generator should operate at 12.6
volts, or at 14.5 volts.

Below is a sample wiring diagram and diagnostic procedure.

Modern Honda’s are more sophisticated in the alternator control so look up specific diagnostic procedures if
you suspect a faulty charging system for Honda!

When lower loads are detected, the Powetrain Control Module (PCM) will ground the Control wire to the
Voltage Regulator. Check for grounded control line (C line White-Green) as this will cause low voltage.

The generator should go to 14.5 volts with the C terminal (White & Green wire) disconnected.