Table of contents: General information ↓ Precautionary measures ↓
General information
The engine electrical system mainly consists of the battery charging and engine starting systems. Since these systems are related to the engine, they are considered separately from other electrical systems and devices (instruments, lighting, etc. are considered in chapter 12). The ignition system of gasoline engines is described in Part B, and Part C describes the glow plug heating system.
The vehicle's electrical system is 12-volt, with a grounded negative terminal (on the body).
The cars are equipped with batteries of a maintenance-free (closed) and low-maintenance type, charged from an alternating current generator with a built-in rectifier and voltage regulator, driven by a belt from the crankshaft pulley.
Starter - with preliminary engagement and built-in retractor relay. When starting the engine, the retractor relay engages the overrunning clutch gear with the flywheel ring gear before the motor receives power for rotation. After starting the engine, the overrunning clutch prevents the flywheel from rotating the starter shaft until the gears are disengaged.
Precautionary measures
When working with electrical systems of a car, special care and attention are required to avoid damaging the semiconductor elements of the system (diodes and transistors) and avoid the risk of electric shock. In addition to the warnings in Section "Caution first!" at the beginning of this manual, read the following before working on the system. Always remove rings, watches, bracelets, etc. when working on the electrical system.
Even when the battery is disconnected, static electricity can build up in the cells, which can cause electric shock or burns if handled carelessly.
Do not confuse the terminals (poles) of the battery. Components such as the generator, electronic control units and others that have semiconductor components may be hopelessly damaged.
Never disconnect the battery, alternator, electrical wiring or controls while the engine is running.
Do not allow the engine to crank the generator with the electrical wiring disconnected.
Never test the generator's operation by shorting its output terminal to the frame.
Before starting any work that involves disconnecting electrical system components, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
If you start the engine from an external battery using cigarette lighter wires, connect them as indicated in the section "Starting the engine from an auxiliary battery" (plus with plus, minus with minus). This also applies to connecting the charger.
Before using electric welding, disconnect the battery, generator and ECU to protect them from damage.
Warning: The radio, installed as standard equipment, is equipped with a secret code to deter thieves. If the power supply to the radio is disconnected, the security system is activated. Even if power is supplied immediately, the radio will not operate until the special code is entered. Therefore, if you do not know the code, do not disconnect the power supply to the radio, do not remove it from the car, and do not disconnect the negative cable from the battery.