Battery Service

The battery is serviced by ‘topping off’ the fluid with distilled water, charging the battery, and performing a load test. If a battery is old, a charge may not suffice and you will likely need to buy a new battery. Make sure you are prepared for winter and have your technician test the battery.

Battery Terminals

The two posts that stick out from the battery and attach to the main electrical wires for the vehicle. One post is positive (red) and one negative (black).

Alternator

This unit provides all the electrical power to operate the vehicle and is powered by the A drive belt. Excess power not needed by the vehicle is used to keep the battery at full charge.

This unit needs 12 volts to operate and delivers anywhere from 13 to 15 volts to the vehicle electrical system.

Battery

This power source produces electricity to start the vehicle and operate all 12-volt electrical accessories (e.g., lights, radio, alarms, starter) when the engine is not running.

Battery Service

The battery is serviced by ‘topping off’ the fluid with distilled water, charging the battery, and performing a load test. If a battery is old, a charge may not suffice and you will likely need to buy a new battery. Make sure you are prepared for winter and have your technician test the battery.

Battery Terminals

The two posts that stick out from the battery and attach to the main electrical wires for the vehicle. One post is positive (red) and one negative (black).

Computer

Most cars from the early eighties have a form of computer management, e.g., a central processor. Depending on the vehicle, it can control nearly every automated function.

Distributor Cap/Rotor
Sequentially distributes the spark received from the coil to each of the cylinders.

Fuses

Current flows through the fuses to all electrical accessories.

Each fuse can withstand a predetermined level of amperage and will burn out if that level is exceeded. This protects the electrical system from damage.

Although a damaged fuse is not a welcome event, it is much more desirable than a fried component.

Solenoid

This is an electromagnetic device that converts electricity to a mechanical function such as engaging the starter or operating a fuel injector.

Spark Plug
Injects a spark into the cylinder to ignite the air/fuel mixture.

Starter System

This system starts your vehicle and consists of the starter, switches, solenoids, and wires.

When you turn the ignition, electricity is sent to the starter. The starter produces energy that turns the engine over and starts the engine.

Spark Plug Wires

Sends the spark from the distributor to each spark plug.