Power and Ground Distribution: Description and Operation

Electrical power for the vehicle is provided by the Generator when the Engine is running. The schematic diagram shows how each circuit gets its power. For more details about the Generator and connections to the Battery and Starter, see "Starter and Charging System."

The vehicle's Power Distribution System consists of Fusible Links, Circuit Breakers, the Light Switch and the Ignition Switch. Fusible Links are short pieces of wire several sizes smaller than the circuit wire to which they supply power. They are covered with special high-temperature insulation. When conducting too high a current, they will melt and stop current flow. They are designed to protect parts of the vehicle's electrical system from the electrical shorts that are not protected by the circuit breakers and fuses. See "Fuse Block Details" and "Light Switch Details" for complete wiring to the first component in each circuit.

The Ignition Switch has six positions, five of which have detents. The "BULB TEST" position is after the "RUN" position and just before the "START" position. "BULB TEST" does not have a detent.

Individual schematics show their fuses supplied from a heading such as "HOT IN RUN," "HOT IN RUN, BULB TEST OR START" or "HOT AT ALL TIMES."

Those circuits indicated with "HOT IN RUN" or "HOT IN RUN, BULB TEST OR START," generally are fed from the Ignition Switch. Those circuits indicated with "HOT AT ALL TIMES" are generally fed from a Fusible Link.