Starting and Charging: Description and Operation

Circuit operation

Starting System
Battery voltage is always applied from the positive battery terminal to the ignition switch and the normally open starter solenoid contacts of the starter motor. When the ignition switch is turned to "START" position and the transaxle is in park or neutral (automatic transaxle); battery voltage is applied to the starter solenoid coils.

The starter solenoid coils energize, the starter solenoid contacts close, and battery voltage is applied to the starter motor. The starter motor engages to start the engine.

Charging System
When the ignition switch is turned to "ON" or "START" position, battery voltage is applied to the charge indicator and the terminal B and S of the alternator. After the engine has started and is running, the alternator produces alternating current. The alternating current flows through a series of rectifier diodes and is converted to direct current. The direct current and voltage keeps the battery fully charged and provides power to operate the vehicle's electrical system. The voltage regulator in alternator controls the amount of direct current and voltage, the alternator outputs If the voltage regulator senses that the output of the alternator is not sufficient for charging the battery, it will ground terminal L of the alternator and the charge indicator will illuminate.