Section 4 (Starting/Charging - Mechanism & Function (H4SO)): Generator

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Subaru Legacy, 2006 Subaru Impreza, 2006 Subaru Forester, and 2006 Subaru Baja. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The generator has a built-in regulator which provides diagnostic functions in addition to a voltage regulating function as follows:

Voltage regulation
The on-off operation of transistor connects and disconnects the field current circuit, providing a constant level of output voltage.
Diagnosis warning
When any of the following problems occur, the charge light illuminates.
1. No voltage generation
  Brush wear exceeds specified wear limits, field coil circuit is broken, etc.
2. Excessive output
  Output voltage is greater than 16 volts (approx.)
3. Terminal B disconnection
  Harness is disconnected from generator terminal B.
4. Terminal S disconnection
  Harness is disconnected from generator terminal S. In this case, voltage is slightly greater than specified regulated voltage; however, voltage regulation is still controlled and the battery is prevented from becoming overcharged.
Fig 1: Identifying Generator
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.