Starting and Charging Circuit (General Description)

The Engine Electrical System consists of portions of the Ignition Systems, the Engine Electrical Power Distribution System, and the Starter and Charging System. The Ignition Systems through the ignition control modules are described in the Engine Controls sections. The Engine Electrical Power Distribution System includes the Battery and those wires and components which distribute power to the I/P Fuse Block or to the unfused loads. The Battery, the Power Distribution Center, and the Ignition Switch are the major system components. Fusible links are employed to provide circuit protection for the Battery leads and for major power distribution branch loads. Fuses or circuit breakers provide circuit protection to the various sub-systems. The Starting and Charging System is discussed below.

The Starter and Charging System is discussed as two sub-systems. These are the Charging System and the Starting System. The Charging System provides current to the Battery while the engine is operating in order to maintain the Battery in a charged condition. The Charging System operates to keep the Battery voltage between 13 and 16 volts. Sufficient current is produced by the system to operate all normal loads while maintaining the Battery's charge. The Charging System consists of one major component. This is the Generator. A Battery Indicating Lamp is provided on the Instrument Cluster. The lamp warns the driver of abnormal conditions in the Charging System. A Voltmeter is also provided on the Instrument Cluster. This provides a reasonably accurate analog indication of Battery voltage.

The Starting System is used to start the engine. The system uses battery power to energize the Starter Solenoid and to drive the Starter Motor. The Starter Solenoid engages the starter's drive gear with the engine's flywheel in order to rotate or crank the engine. At the same time, battery power is applied to the Starter Motor which then drives the flywheel allowing the engine to start. Once the engine is started, the Starter is disengaged. The engine continues to operate on its own power.