Automotive Electrical Circuits and Wiring

AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND WIRING

Learning Objective: Identify charging, starting, ignition, and accessory-circuit components, their functions, and maintenance procedures. Identify the basic types of automotive wiring, types of terminals, and wiring diagrams.

The electrical systems on equipment used by the Navy are designed to perform a variety of functions. The automotive electrical system contains five electrical circuits. These circuits are as follows (fig. 2-1):

Charging circuit Starting circuit Ignition circuit Lighting circuit Accessory circuit

Electrical power and control signals must be delivered to electrical devices reliably and safely so electrical system functions are not impaired or converted to hazards. This goal is accomplished through careful circuit design, prudent component selection, and practical equipment location. By carefully studying this chapter and the preceding chapter, you will understand how these circuits work and the adjustments and repairs required to maintain the electrical systems in peak condition.

Table of contents :

CHARGING CIRCUIT

BATTERY CONSTRUCTION

BATTERY CASE, COYER, AND CAPS.

BATTERY CAPACITY

BATTERY CHARGING

PLACING NEW BATTERIES IN SERVICE

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

CLEANING THE BATTERY AND TERMINALS.

BATTERY TEST

CELL VOLTAGE TEST.

GENERATORS

REGULATION OF GENERATOR OUTPUT

GENERATOR MAINTENANCE

GENERATOR REPAIR

ARMATURE TEST.

ALTERNATORS

RECTIFIER ASSEMBLY.

ALTERNATOR OUTPUT CONTROL

ALTERNATOR TESTING

CHARGING SYSTEM TEST

CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST

STARTING CIRCUIT

PINION DRIVE ASSEMBLY

FIELD FRAME

NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH

STARTING MOTOR CIRCUIT TESTS

IGNITION CIRCUIT

IGNITION COIL

IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR

SPARK PLUG

SPARK PLUG WIRES

ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM

IGNITION TIMING DEVICES

IGNITION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

A SPARK PLUG WIRE RESISTANCE TEST

ELECTRONIC IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR SERVICE

LIGHTING CIRCUIT

HEADLIGHTS HEADLIGHT SWITCH

DIMMER SWITCH

BLACKOUT LIGHTS

TURN-SIGNAL SYSTEMS

EMERGENCY LIGHT SYSTEM

INSTRUMENTS, GAUGES, AND ACCESSORIES

FUEL GAUGE

TEMPERATURE GAUGE

MECHANICAL SPEEDOMETERS AND TACHOMETERS

WINDSHIELD WIPERS

WIRING ASSEMBLIES

WIRE TERMINAL ENDS

WIRE SUPPORT AND PROTECTION