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HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS The battery, starting and charging systems areinterrelated by a continual cycle of convertingchemical energy to mechanical energy andthen back again. The starter motor uses me-chanical energy to crank the engine and once

the engine is running, it's really a merry-go-round sort of rela-tionship. The rotation of the engine drives the alternator, forc-ing electrical energy (current) into a battery, where it's stored aschemical energy. The chemical energy of the battery is then

changed back to electrical energy when it supplies current tothe starter motor and accessories. The cycle repeats itself as theengine's mechanical energy again drives the alternator torecharge the battery so it can supply more current to thestarter when needed.

Maintenance Suggestions The purpose of the battery is to supply the necessary current tothe starter motor and the ignition system while cranking tostart the engine. It also supplies additional current when thedemand is higher than the alternator can supply and acts as an

electrical reservoir. The automotive battery, sometimes known as a lead-acid stor-age battery, is an electrochemical device that produces voltageand delivers current to start the vehicle. When the automobile isrunning the batteryelectrochemical action is reversed, recharg-ing the battery, giving it many years of service.

Safer OperationBy having regular battery and starting / charging system checksevery six months, you can identify many potential problems before a failure occurs. During this test your technicianshould check battery condition, connections and alternator output. It is also important to regularly inspect the condition

of the alternator drive belt and replace if necessary. An alternator drive belt that is slipping can damage the battery.Without a properly functioning battery and charging system, your vehicle's performance will be affected. Most modernvehicles are outtted with computer controlled fuel delivery, ignition systems, transmissions, sensors and microproces-sors that require a steady supply of controlled electricity to function properly.

MMGood Maintenance Adds Extra Mileage

BATTERY, STARTING& CHARGING SYSTEM

201 Park Wash ing ton Cour t • Fa l l s Church , VA 22016703-532-2027 phone • 202-318-0378 fax • www.motorist .org

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MainFuseBlock

VoltageRegulator

BatteryTerminal

BatteryCable

StarterMotor

AlternatorDrive Belt

Charging SystemWiring Harness

Battery

Alternator

AccesoryFuseBlock

ChargeIndicator

AlternatorVoltage

Regulator

Ignition anStarter Swit

Battery

StartingMotor

Solenoid

Ammeter

F

+F

I

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What is a Starter Motor? The starter motor is a powerfulelectric motor, with a smallgear(pinion) attached to the end.When activated, the gear mesheswith a larger gear (ring), which isattached to the engine. Thestarter motor “turns the engineover” to start the engine. Whenthe engine starts to spin fasterthan the starter, the starter auto-matically disengages.

Things to watch for» Make sure the battery rating meets at least

the minimum cranking amperage (CA orCCA) requirement for your vehicle

» Even today’s“ maintenance free ”batteries

need periodic inspection & cleaning toensure proper operation

» The fan/alternator or serpentine belt on your vehicle is an integralpart of the charging system. Belts should be inspected for signs of wear and proper adjustment

» Loose or corroded cable ends may prevent your battery from main-taining a full state of charge

» Heat causes more damage to batteries than cold weather, but start-ing a vehicle in cold winter weather puts more strain on it

Proper Maintenance HelpsExtendVehicle Life!Your driving type or vehicle usage mayaffect the maintenance intervals below.

You should follow the manufacturer’sservice schedule that best matches yourvehicle’s operating conditions.

Those recommendationsmay include:

» Change your engine oil every 3 monthsor 3,500 miles

» Check your tire ination pressure monthly» Rotate your tires every 6 months or 5,000 to 8,000 miles» Change the engine air lter annually or when visibly restricted.» Inspect Brake System every 12 months or 15,000 miles

WHAT ELSEIS AFFECTED?

If the battery in your car is bad or nearthe end of itsuseful life, thealternatormay not supply the required amountof alternating current (AC) to keep thevehicleoperatingproperly. If anyothercomponents in the charging systemare malfunctioning, the entire systemwill suffer from poor performance or

system failure.Batteries almost never fail at a goodtime. To prolong battery life, battery,terminals and cable ends should bekept clean and free from corrosion. The battery and starting/chargingsystem should be periodically testedfor proper performance. Many testersutilized today are able to predictwhen a battery is near the end of itsuseful life.

ImportantConsumer

Information

Plunger Solenoid Return Spring

ShiftFork

Starter GearDrive

Field Coils Armature

Brush

MMTaking the Mystery Out of Maintenance

AMRA/MAP believes that this information is accu-rate andreliable and does not endorse, approve orcertify such information, nor does it guarantee theaccuracy, completeness, efficacy, or timeliness;reliance on it should only be undertaken after adetailed reviewof the applicable OE publication(s).

AMRA/MAP is not responsible for, and expresslydisclaims all liability for damages of any kind orconsequences thereof, arisingout of use, referenceto, relianceon,orperformance of such information.

Battery JumpStarting Procedure

Typical Alternator