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Starting and Charging System Components
Electrical System
Components |
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Electrical:
Starting and Charging System
Components
What It Does
The starting and charging system starts the engine, maintains the battery's charge and provides power to the electrical accessories while the engine is running.
1
Battery
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Function:
Supplies the energy needed to start the engine, provides the current to operate the accessories when the vehicle is not running and protects the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) from high-voltage surges.
Signs of Wear:
Lack of power when attempting to start the vehicle or when using the accessories.
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2
Spark Plugs
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Function:
Uses a high-voltage spark from the ignition coil to ignite the air/fuel mixture inside the engine's cylinders.
Signs of Wear:
Poor starting characteristics, decreased fuel economy, sluggish engine performance, excessive fouling or deposits on plus.
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3
Ignition Coil
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Function:
Increases electrical system voltage to help ignite the air/fuel mixture.
Signs of Wear:
Engine won't start, poor starting qualities, engine misfiring, cracks in coil body.
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4
Alternator
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Function:
Provides power to the vehicle's electrical systems and charges the battery while the engine is running.
Signs of Wear:
Engine doesn't turn over, loss of batter power, some loss of electrical power (dimming headlights, etc.), alternator warning light illuminates.
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5
Spark Plug Wire Set
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Function:
Carries voltage from the ignition coil and the distributor to the spark plugs.
Signs of Wear:
Difficult engine starting, misfiring, visible cracks in wire covering, decreased fuel economy.
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6
Starter Motor and Solenoid
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Function:
The starter motor cranks the engine when engaged with the flywheel. The solenoid uses electromagnetic force to power the starter motor and flywheel.
Signs of Wear:
Sporadic engine cranking, poor starting qualities.
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7
Distributor Cap
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Function:
Serves as a connecting hub for the spark plug wires and ignition coil wires.
Signs of Wear:
Inability to start engine, poor starting qualities, visible cracks, misfiring, decreased fuel economy.
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8
Ignition Module and Coil
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Function:
Increases voltage in order for the spark plugs to ignite the air/fuel mixture.
Signs of Wear:
Engine misfires or won't start, poor starting characteristics.
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Electrical
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Electrical System
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