STARTING, CHARGING AND BATTERIES
What are they?
Your car’s starting and charging systems, and the battery help ensure dependable vehicle operation whenever you drive your car and in all sorts of driving conditions. Make sure to check these systems regularly.
What do they do?
The battery stores electrical energy and the starter converts that energy into mechanical force to turn the engine for starting. The alternator produces electric current to replace what the starter used during start-up and to support electrical loads when the engine is running. An ignition module turns the low-voltage supply to the ignition coil on and off, and the coil produces the high voltage for the ignition system. This creates a spark at the spark plugs and ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine. A belt transmits power from the front of the engine to the alternator’s pulley, along with other accessories.
Typical Wear and Tear
Driving habits such as frequent engine on/off cycles will cause more wear on the starter than a simple trip back and forth to work. Other factors include:
• Driving and weather conditions
• Mileage
• Vehicle age
• Excessive electrical draws like in-vehicle entertainment systems
Symptoms
• Headlights and interior lights dim
• “Check Engine” and/or battery light may come on
• Accessories fail to operate
Do It Yourself
Click here for DIY tips on batteries from Haynes Manuals.
Changing Spark Plugs:
It's a good idea to check your spark plugs and replace them when necessary. The purpose of spark plugs is to ignite the air/fuel mixture, which turns that mixture into the energy that moves your car.
If you are driving around with dirty spark plugs, the air/fuel mixture will be ignited less efficiently, which cuts into your car's performance and wastes gas. You should replace your vehicle's spark plugs every two years or 30,000 miles, although some plugs may get up to 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced. Spark plugs also need to be replaced when they lose their efficiency due to carbon build up.
Following this advice will help you improve the performance of your vehicle as well as your gas mileage.
Belts and Hoses
What are they?
You car’s belts and hoses are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems, and the engine. Don’t take these routine replacement intervals for granted because they can break down and leave you stranded.What do they do?
The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft mechanically synchronized to maintain engine timing. Whether serpentine, V-belt or fan belt (the belts on the outside of the engine), they all transmit power from the front of the engine to accessories that need to be driven, such as the air conditioning, the charging system and fans. Radiator and heat hoses carry coolant to and from the engine, radiator and heater core.Typical Wear and Tear
Key items that affect the replacement interval for belts and hoses:
• Vehicle age
• Electrolytic corrosion
• Mileage
• Oil contamination
• Belt tension
• Failed hose clampsSymptoms
• Squeaking noise from under the hood during start-up or operation
• Coolant leaks
• Dashboard light will illuminate
Check engine LightWhat is it?
In 1996, an orange light on your car's dashboard labeled "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" became standard on all car makes and models. The light tells you there's a problem with your car's engine and powertrain control system.What does it mean?
An illuminated “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light indicates a problem detected by our car’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD). The light cannot indicate the exact nature of the problem – only the right training and diagnostic equipment can do that.Typical Service
• A flashing light indicates a problem that is currently happening and may require immediate attention, whereas a steady light can be diagnosed at the first convenient opportunity.
• A technician connects a “scan tool” to your car’s onboard diagnostic system to determine the problem.
• Further testing and diagnostics may be required to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.
• Once the problem is pinpointed, repairs are made and the light is reset.
