Starting & Charging

 

Starting & Charging System

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.

Service and Maintenance
Have Custom inspect the battery cables and posts for good connections and/or signs of corrosion. Clean them, if needed. The battery fluid should also be checked and filled if low (unless using a “maintenance-free” battery).

Replace a chronically weak battery before it fails permanently. Check all vehicle lights, including headlights, turn signals, brake lights and emergency flashers. Inspect the engine belts regularly. Look for glazing, cracks, or missing sections. Worn belts will affect engine performance.

Breakdown Information
Most vehicles breakdown due to these reasons:

• Out of gas
• Stalled/no start
• Dead battery
• Flat tire
• Overheated engine

Most of these breakdowns can be avoided through the following measures:

1. Periodic mechanical checkups, especially when engine stalling, hard stopping, or other such symptoms are signaling trouble.
2. Regular tire inspection to stop damage, unusual wear, or under inflation that can lead to tire failure.
3. Seasonal checks and preventative maintenance of the cooling system, a frequent factor in roadside breakdowns.
4. Paying close attention to the gas gauge. Make it a habit to keep the tank half full at all times. This also safeguards against condensation in the tank. If moisture in the gas line freezes, engine can stall.
5. Carrying a cellular phone can also be beneficial while traveling.

Points of Interest

• Battery
• Spark Plug
• Ignition Coil
• Alternator
• Spark Plug Wire Set
• Starter Motor and Solenoid
• Distributor Cap
• Ignition Module and Coil

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Battery
The function of the battery is to supply the energy needed to start the engine, provide the current to operate the accessories when the vehicle is not running and to protect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) from high-voltage surges.

Common signs of wear include lack of power when attempting to start the vehicle or when using the accessories. Have Custom check your battery cables, case and holddowns, clean terminals, load test and check voltage every 20,000 miles or according to your owner’s manual. Check battery fluid level every 10,000 miles (exept maintenance-free batteries).

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Spark Plug
The spark plug uses a high-voltage spark form the ignition coil to ignite the air/fuel mixture inside the engine’s cylinders.

Typical signs of wear include poor starting, decreased fuel economy, sluggish engine performance, excessive fouling or deposits on the plug itself. Spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles or according to your owner’s manual.

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Ignition Coil
The function of the ignition coil is to increase the electrical system voltage to help ignite the air/fuel mixture.

Common signs of wear are engine failure to start, poor starting qualities, engine misfire, and cracks in coil body.

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Alternator
The alternator provides power to the vehicle’s electrical systems and charges the battery while the engine is running.

Common signs of wear include non-engine turnover, loss of battery power, some loss of electrical power (dimming headlights, etc.), and an illuminating alternator warning light.

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Spark Plug Wire Set
The spark plug wire set carries voltage from the ignition coil and the distributor to the spark plugs.

Common signs of wear include difficulty starting, misfiring, visible cracks in wiring covering, and decreased fuel economy. Spark plug wires should be changed every 30,000 miles or according to your owner’s manual.

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Starter Motor and Solenoid
The function of the starter motor is to crank the engine when it engages the flywheel. The solenoid uses electromagnetic force to power the starter motor and flywheel.

Common signs of wear include sporadic engine cranking and poor starting qualities.

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Distributor Cap
The function of the distributor cap is to serve as a connecting hub for the spark plug wires and ignition coil wires.

Common signs of wear include poor starting qualities, visible cracks, misfiring, and decreased fuel economy. The distributor cap should be changed every 30,000 miles or according to your owner’s manual.

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Ignition Module and Coil
The function of the ignition module and coil is to increase voltage in order for the spark plugs to ignite the air/fuel mixture.

Common signs of wear include engine misfires or failure to start.