General information and precautions (Opel Vectra B)

Consumers are connected to the positive power source by a wire, and to the negative power source - through the car body (ground). This method allows to reduce the number of wires and simplify installation. Low-maintenance or maintenance-free batteries are installed on cars.

The electrical system has a 12-volt supply with negative ground and consists of a battery, generator, starter, electrical consumers and electrical circuits.

The battery is charged by a generator, which is driven by a belt from the crankshaft pulley. The starter is a DC electric motor with compound excitation with an electromagnetic traction relay. When starting, the traction relay moves the pinion into engagement with the flywheel ring gear before the starter receives power from the battery. After the engine starts, the freewheel clutch disconnects the starter anchor from the flywheel ring gear.

Precautions

When working on an electrical system, care must be taken not to damage the semiconductor device (diodes and transistors). When working on an electrical system, the following requirements must be met:

• do not disconnect the battery, alternator or any electrical connectors while the engine is running;
• when performing any work, remove the negative terminal from the battery;
• when performing electric welding work on a vehicle, turn off the alternator and control device.