Table of contents: General description ↓ Precautions ↓
General description
1. The engine electrical system consists primarily of the starting and charging systems. Since the functions of these systems are related to engine operation, their components are considered separately from the electrical devices of the body, such as external lighting, instruments, etc. The latter are considered in Section 12. Information about the pre-heating system is given in Parts B this Section.
2. Electrical system - 12 volt with negative ground.
3. The starter has a freewheel clutch with preliminary engagement with the traction relay. When the engine is started, the traction relay moves the pinion, bringing it into engagement with the flywheel ring gear before the starter is activated. After the engine is started, the freewheel clutch prevents the transmission of rotation from the engine to the starter.
4. A more detailed description of the various systems is given in the relevant Chapters of this Section.
Precautions
5. When working on an electrical system, extra care must be taken to avoid damaging semiconductor devices (diodes and transistors) and avoid electric shock.
6. Always remove rings, watches, etc. before working on the electrical system. Even with the battery disconnected, capacitive discharge may occur if the component's power terminal is accidentally shorted with a metal object. This may cause shock or severe burns.
7. Do not mix up the battery terminals. Components such as the generator, electronic control devices or any other semiconductor circuit may be irreparably damaged.
8. When starting the engine using large-section wires and a starting device or a separate battery, you must connect the plus to the plus and the minus to the minus. This also applies when connecting the battery to the charger.
9. Never disconnect the battery terminals, generator terminals, any electrical wiring or instrumentation while the engine is running.
10. Do not allow the engine to rotate when the generator is disconnected from the electrical system.
11. Never test the generator's performance by shorting its output contacts to ground.
12. When working on the electrical system, make sure the negative battery cable is disconnected.
13. Before using arc welding on a vehicle, disconnect the battery, generator and components such as the electronic ignition control device and fuel injection system to protect them from damage.
Caution: If your car's radio is coded, make sure you have the correct key code before disconnecting the battery.