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