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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Battery Terminals Disconnection During Service Work |
When servicing and repairing a vehicle manufactured after 1980, the manufacturer may require the disconnection of the battery cables as a step in the service or repair procedure. On most vehicles, after the battery cable has been disconnected the "Keep Alive Memory" (KAM) of the vehicle's computer system usually is reset as a result of this. A vehicle may exhibit certain drive-abilty concerns or other concerns that may not have been apparent to the driver or the technician before a service or repair. I.E. A Vehicle may experience: idle fluctuation, higher than normal idle, lower than normal idle, engine stalling, transmission shifting concerns, fuel economy variations, service malfunction indicator lamp illumination immediate after or soon after the service or even a few days later, radios may not work; unless the code provided by the manufacturer is reentered, clocks may be inaccurate thus require resetting, radio preset buttons may have to be reprogrammed, seat positions may have to be reprogrammed, HVAC system doors operation may require recalibrating, instrument gauge readings may be inaccurate, etc.
"Battery Saver Tools" have been introduced to the automotive market to attempt in maintaining the KAM of a vehicle's computer system during service. However, in some cases, due to the nature of a repair or service, the technician may not have the option of using this device. There are some repairs and services that the manufacturer of the vehicle actually requires the technician to reset the KAM as a part of the proper repair or service procedure.
To reset the KAM of a vehicle's computer system it may be necessary to drive the vehicle several miles, or even days, under various operating conditions, speeds, temperatures, & loads. This may allow the various computer systems to relearn the values for optimum performance. Some vehicles may require special tools to force and accept a relearn.
In extreme circumstance the computer may not have the ability to relearn because of age, wear & tear, carbon build up, and degradation of various components. Inspection and testing of a system may be required to pinpoint the item that is hindering the system from relearning. Replacement of actual components may even be required to return the vehicle back to a normal operating condition.
Customers should always remember that the KAM may be reset when the battery cables are disconnected.
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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.
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Distributor Cap/Rotor |
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Sequentially distributes the spark received from the coil to each of the cylinders.
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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.
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Solenoid |
This is an electromagnetic device that converts electricity to a mechanical function such as engaging the starter or operating a fuel injector.
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Spark Plug |
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Injects a spark into the cylinder to ignite the air/fuel mixture.
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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.
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Spark Plug Wires |
Sends the spark from the distributor to each spark plug.
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Hart's Auto Repair
2108 West College
Liberty, MO 64068
Phone: 816.781.6552
Email Us for an appointment |
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