Charge system
General information
The components of the charge system include an alternator, a voltage regulator built into it, a charge control lamp, a battery, a protective fuse, and electrical wiring connecting the listed components. The charging system provides electrical power to the ignition system, lighting and signaling devices, radio and other consumers of electricity. The generator is driven by a belt drive from the crankshaft pulley and is mounted at the front of the engine. For additional information on the electrical connections of the components of the charging system, see the wiring diagrams (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment).
Electronic control unit (ECM, depending on the current values of the input parameters (engine speed, vehicle speed, coolant temperature, number of electrical consumers switched on and intake air temperature), adjusts the value of the voltage generated by the generator. The main task of the system is to minimize the load on the engine.
The task of the voltage regulator is to limit the voltage generated by the generator within the specified limits. The regulator prevents circuit overloads and other unpleasant phenomena associated with power surges.
The charging system does not require regular maintenance. However, you should periodically check the condition of the alternator drive belt, battery, connecting wiring and its terminal connections (see chapter Current service).
The charge warning lamp built into the instrument panel briefly turns on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. Immediately after the engine is started, the lamp should go out. Failure of the lamp to turn off indicates a malfunction in the charge system (see Removal and installation of components of the preheat system). On some models, a voltmeter is additionally installed in the instrument panel, which allows the driver to track deviations of the on-board voltage from the norm in time. If the voltmeter readings are outside the allowable range, the charge system should be checked (see Removal and installation of components of the preheat system).
The fusible link is a short piece of wire placed in insulation, mounted in the main braid of the electrical wiring of the engine compartment. The total cross section of the conductor conductor of the insert is several times smaller than that of the electrical wiring of the circuit in which it is included, which guarantees reliable protection of the latter from overload.
Precautionary measures
When docking the terminal connections of electrical circuits of vehicles equipped with an alternator, special precautions should be observed:
- When connecting the battery wiring to the generator, never reverse the polarity
- Before using electric arc welding for body repairs, disconnect the electrical wiring from the generator terminals and the battery
- Never start the engine with the charger connected to the battery
- Always disconnect both wires from the battery before charging from an external power source (first negative) Yu
- Avoid getting hands, hair, and loose clothing in contact with the rotating alternator drive belt during engine running checks
- Since the generator is connected directly to the battery, its overloads and short circuits can ignite the wiring and cause a fire
- Before steam cleaning the engine compartment, wrap the generator in a plastic bag, which should then be securely fastened with rubber bands.
Launch system
General information
The system provides cranking the engine in order to start it.
The main components of the system are a starter with a traction relay installed on it, a storage battery, an ignition switch and connecting wiring.
The starter assembly with the traction relay is fixed on top of the power unit, near the transmission dome.
When the ignition key is turned to the START position, battery power is supplied through the start control circuit to the starter relay. The relay switches the battery power directly to the starter motor. The motor begins to rotate, at the same time turning the crankshaft of the engine by the ring gear of the flywheel / drive disk.
The operation of the starter on models equipped with a manual transmission is made possible only when the clutch pedal is depressed. On models with AT, a prerequisite is the transfer of the selector lever to the position «R» or «N».
Precautionary measures
The following special precautions must be observed when performing any work on the starting system components:
- Remember that excessively long cranking of the engine by the starter may cause serious damage to the electric motor of the latter as a result of overheating. Never operate the starter continuously for more than 15 seconds, after which it should be allowed to cool for one to two minutes.
- Do not forget that the starter is connected directly to the battery, which, if not handled carefully, as a result of overloads and short circuits, makes it possible to arc, which in turn is fraught with ignition of the wiring
- When performing any work on the components of the starting system, be sure to disconnect the negative cable from the battery - remember that if the stereo system installed on the car is equipped with a security code, before disconnecting the battery, you should make sure you know the correct combination to put the audio system into operation!
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