Intro to Automotives

Basics of ElectricityDefinition:

The movement of electrons in a conductor.

TermsVoltage:

Is the electrical pressure that causes current to flow.

Current:The quantity of electrons moving through a conductor.

Resistance:Is measured in ohms, usually the load, such as a light.

OHMS LAW:Voltage = Current X Resistance

BatteryStores Chemical Energy

Supply electrical energy to the starter

Supplement the alternatorLightsRadioEtc.

Key SwitchConnects or disconnects

electrical current from flowing.

Completes the circuit to the solenoid starter

SolenoidElectrical Switch

Changes low current to high current

StarterConverts electrical

energy into mechanical energy

Connected to the flywheel gears, which is connected to the crankshaft, which moves the pistons

Neutral Safety Switch

Keeps vehicle from starting while in gear

Allows current to flow in starting system when in “PARK”

Common Starting System Problems

Bad/Worn out starter or

solenoid

Dead Battery

Short circuited or broken wire

Charging System•The reverse of the starting system

•Recharges the battery

•Energy Conversion

•Consists of four (4) main components

Drive BeltConnects crankshaft to Alternator

Sometimes connected to…Power steering pumpWater pumpAir conditioning

2 types of belts…Serpentine“V”- belts

Serpentine Belt

Multi-ribbed

Grooves run parallel

Replace every 50,000

miles

V-beltsUsually narrow

Cross-section looks like a “V”

Replace every 25,000 miles

Alternator

Converts mechanical energy to electric energy

Does both AC & DC

BatteryStores Chemical Energy

12-volt DC

Converts electrical energy to chemical energy

Supplements the alternatorLightsRadioEtc.

Voltage Regulator

Located in or near the alternator

Regulates the Voltage

Should be about 14.5 volts while the engine is running

FusesLocated in the junction block

Rated in Amps 5,10, 15, etc…

2 types of fuzzesGlass CylinderBlade

HeadlightsHeadlights

Sealed BeamComposite

HalogenFilled with gas

Questions/Discussion…