To start the engine, a starter with forced engagement of the gear is used. The starter switch is part of the ignition switch. When the switch is turned on, the traction relay is activated, moving the starter pinion toward the flywheel ring gear.
The generator power is determined by the engine type. Car manufacturers install generators from different companies: Bosch, Valeo, Mitsubishi.
The generator is driven by a V-belt from the crankshaft.
The indicator light installed on the instrument panel informs the driver about the operation of the electrical system concerning the battery charging circuit..
Even though cars are now equipped with maintenance-free batteries, it is still necessary to inspect the battery regularly.
The battery surface must be dry. Otherwise, the formation of leakage currents between cells cannot be ruled out, which leads to battery discharge. The electrolyte level in the battery should be level with the bottom line on the case if the battery has a transparent case. If the battery case is opaque, you need to unscrew the plugs and make sure that the electrolyte covers the inter-element partitions.
Caution! If the electrolyte level is low, top up with distilled water. Do not pour electrolyte!
Do not leave the battery uncharged during cold weather. A discharged battery will freeze.
Fuses are located in the fuse box. The fuse rating is 5-30 A. Fuses are color-coded accordingly. A fuse rarely blows due to overload. Typically, this occurs as a result of a short circuit during repair work or due to a faulty on-board electrical system consumer. For this reason, replacing a blown fuse will not achieve anything unless the reason for the blown fuse is determined and the problem is corrected.
1. Find out from the circuit diagram when voltage is supplied to the fuse. The fuse may be energized constantly or only when the ignition switch is switched to the appropriate position.
2. Find out which consumers are short-circuited to this fuse.
3. Replace the new fuse with a jumper. It is needed only for a short time, no more than a second. Strong sparking indicates that there is a short circuit in one of the circuits. To find a short circuit, open the connection to the corresponding consumers one by one. As soon as the sparking stops during the next disconnection of the consumer, the short circuit should be looked for in this circuit.
If no sparking is observed when installing the jumper, then the key in the ignition switch should be turned to the appropriate position. Check the voltage supply to the faulty fuse using a test light.
Sometimes a short circuit occurs when the corresponding power consumer is turned on, for example, the rear window defroster, windshield wiper, turn signal, brake lights, etc. In this case, the "sparking" method of detection becomes more difficult. To perform further work, the experience or assistance of a specialist auto electrician is required. If you have an ammeter with a measurement range of up to 30 Amperes, then a sharp deviation of the arrow when connecting the device to the consumer indicates the presence of a short circuit.
Caution! Sometimes the failure of an on-board electrical system's electrical consumer is caused by oxidation of the corresponding fuse holders or their loosening. To restore conductivity, the fuses should be removed and the holders cleaned. Install new fuses.