Battery
Description: The battery is the backbone of the electrical system. Most cars use a lead-acid battery. The battery is made of a plastic case, containing an arrangement of positive and negative lead plates separated by synthetic plate separators. The plates are connected to a set of terminals, which provide connection to the vehicle. The battery is filled with electrolyte, a mixture of sulphuric acid and water. The electrolyte and lead plates provide the chemical action necessary to store and release energy.
Purpose: The battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy and visa versa. Given this unique ability, the battery:
supplies power to the starter and ignition system,
delivers the extra power needed when the electrical load exceeds the alternator’s supply, and
stabilizes voltage in the electrical system.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: The battery should be mounted securely, as vibration takes a toll on battery life. On batteries with removable filler caps, the electrolyte should be checked and topped off with distilled water. Battery connections should be clean, tight and corrosion-free. To clean the battery case and terminals, use a mixture of baking soda and water.
Batteries don’t always give warning signs before they fail. If your vehicle’s battery is three years old or more, it’s wise to replace it. When choosing a replacement, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all battery. Make sure the new one has adequate capacity for your exact make, model and equipment.
If you live in an extremely cold climate, consider upgrading to the largest capacity available for your vehicle. Battery efficiency drops off drastically in cold temperatures and the extra capacity can make the difference in starting on cold winter mornings. Avoid running your battery dead; deep-cycling (discharging and then charging) quickly takes its toll on battery life.
For longest life, automotive batteries are intended to keep a relatively consistent charge. If you decide to change the battery yourself, be aware that many cars may need to “re-learn” certain electronic engine control habits, like idle speed. Disconnecting the battery may also erase the memory of radios and other creature comforts like memory mirrors and seats.
Alternator
Description: The alternator consists of a spinning set of electrical windings called a rotor, a stationary set of windings called a stator, a rectifier assembly, a set of brushes to maintain electrical contact with the rotor, and a pulley. All of these parts except the pulley are contained in an aluminum housing. Today’s alternators use compact, electronic voltage regulators that may be housed inside the alternator or the voltage regulator function may be handled by the vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM).
Purpose: The alternator generates direct current for recharging the battery and for powering vehicle electrical loads.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Have the alternator’s drive belt tension checked at every oil change. A loose belt can reduce alternator output and run down your car’s battery. Every fall, prior to the winter season, it’s wise to have your car’s charging system tested as part of a comprehensive starting, charging and battery test. This test will determine whether your car’s alternator is putting out the proper amount of current and voltage.
Your car’s alternator is designed to recharge the battery after slight discharging such as engine starting; the alternator is not designed for charging heavily discharged (“dead”) batteries. Relying on the alternator to charge a heavily discharged battery can overload the alternator and cause damage. In such cases, use a battery charger instead. An alternator problem can cause a discharged battery, poor accessory and light operation, frequent bulb replacement, repeat voltage regulator failures, erratic engine operation, or a dashboard warning light to illuminate.
Voltage Regulator
Description: The voltage regulator is an electronic device that regulates alternator output according to the battery’s state of charge and accessory loads. Today’s compact electronic voltage regulators are usually housed inside the alternator. Although on a few vehicles, the voltage regulator function may be handled by the vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM).
Purpose: The voltage regulator manages the alternator’s output according to vehicle operating conditions. The voltage regulator must balance the needs of a fully charged battery, long battery life, accessory loads, and long light bulb life. For these reasons, voltage regulators must operate at specified voltages.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Symptoms of a faulty voltage regulator may include a discharged battery, short battery life, poor accessory and lighting operation, frequent bulb replacement, lower than normal dashboard voltmeter readings, an illuminated charging system warning light, frequent topping off of the battery’s electrolyte, and diagnostic trouble codes stored in the vehicle’s PCM. Also, a bad alternator may cause repeat failures of the voltage regulator, so keep this in mind.
Starter
Description: The starter consists of an electric motor that powers a starter drive-a special pinion gear designed to engage with the ring gear of the flywheel or torque converter. Many of today’s starters also use a gear reduction to increase the torque output of the starter. The starter is usually mounted to the rear of the engine or the front of the transmission housing.
Purpose: The starter cranks the engine when the ignition switch is turned to the start position. The starter drive uses an overrunning clutch that freewheels if the engine starts while the starter is still engaged, reducing the likelihood of damage to the starter drive and ring gear.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Every fall, prior to the winter season, it’s wise to have your car’s starter tested as part of a comprehensive starting, charging and battery test. This test will determine whether your car’s starter is drawing its normal amount of current. Excessive current draw usually means a worn starter and results in hard starting.
Cables
Description: Cables are basically heavy-duty wires made of many strands of copper wire. An insulating jacket prevents contact with ground or other conductors. Cables have large terminals attached to their ends for connection to the battery, starter, starter relay, starter solenoid or main parts of the electrical system. Cables come in different sizes to match the electrical load of their circuit.
Purpose: Because of their size, cables are able to handle the large amount of electrical flow (current) needed for the starter and other high-current demands.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Your vehicle’s cables should be checked periodically to ensure that they’re tight and free from corrosion. Corroded or loose connections can cause a wide range of electrical problems including a no-start, dead battery, and erratic electrical accessory operation. The most important cable connections are the battery terminals, which should be checked at every oil change. The connections should be tight and free from corrosion.
