Why can't the Baojun 510 charge when the air conditioner is on?
2 Answers
When the air conditioner is on and charging is not possible, it is generally due to insufficient battery load, generator failure, or vehicle system issues. Vehicle system issues: Typically, the vehicle's AC can only cool. Standard vehicles have a cold protection air conditioning system, and most cars are designed not to activate the air conditioning system when the temperature is below 5 degrees Celsius. Generator failure: If the air conditioner is on and the battery light is illuminated, it indicates a charging problem. Check the generator, generator belt, and the generator belt tensioner, especially whether the tensioner is loose. Insufficient power generation: When the air conditioner is turned on, the electromagnetic suction of the cold pump, the evaporator motor, and the radiator motor all operate, consuming about 500 watts more electricity than when the air conditioner is off. If the generator is not working properly, it cannot provide sufficient power. For such a fault, the rectifier board inside the generator can be replaced. However, this part is often hard to find. Alternatively, two diodes rated at 20 amps or more can be used to replace the faulty ones (this usually requires external modification, meaning the diodes are wired outside the generator for the modification).
I found that the Baojun 510 won't charge when the air conditioning is on, mainly because the AC system increases the engine load, causing the alternator to be overwhelmed. Having driven similar models, I think common causes include alternator aging, loose belts, or battery deterioration. When the AC starts, it consumes a lot of power. If the alternator's output is insufficient, it can't effectively charge the battery, especially when idling with the AC on—the battery discharges even faster. Additionally, voltage regulator issues may cause unstable voltage, affecting charging efficiency. For daily maintenance, I recommend checking the alternator belt tension and output voltage, replacing aging parts promptly to avoid breakdowns in summer heat that could impact driving safety. Also, try to minimize idling with the AC on while driving to extend battery life.
