Starting and Charging: Description and Operation

Circuit Operation
Battery voltage is applied at all times from the positive battery terminal to the ignition switch and the normally open starter solenoid contacts. When the ignition switch is turned to "START" and the starter clutch pedal position switch or the transmission range switch is closed, battery voltage is applied to the starter solenoid coils. The starter solenoid coils energize, which closes the starter solenoid contacts, and battery voltage is applied to the starter motor. The starter motor engages to crank the engine.

When the ignition switch is turned to "ON" or "START," battery voltage is applied to the charge indicator and terminal L of the generator. After the engine has started and is running, the generator produces alternating current. The alternating current flows through a series of rectifier diodes and is converted to direct current. The direct current and voltage keeps the battery fully charged and provides power to operate the vehicle's electrical systems.

The amount of direct current and voltage the generator outputs is controlled by the voltage regulator. If the voltage regulator senses that the output of the generator is not sufficient for charging the battery, it will ground terminal L of the generator and the charge indicator will come ON.