Circuit Operation - General Description

STARTING SYSTEM
In the basic circuit, the Starter Solenoid windings are energized when the Ignition Switch is turned to "START" and the Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) Switch (Manual Transaxle) or the Transaxle Range Switch (Automatic Transaxle) is closed. The CPP Switch (Manual Transaxle) provides voltage to the Starter windings when the clutch pedal is depressed. The Transaxle Range Switch (Automatic Transaxle) provides voltage to the Starter windings when the manual selector lever is in the "P" or "N" position. The resulting Plunger and Pinion Drive Lever movement causes the Drive Pinion to engage the engine Flywheel ring gear. This movement also causes the Starter Solenoid contacts to close. With the contacts closed, the Starter Solenoid provides a closed circuit between the Battery positive (+) terminal and the Starter assembly. Because the Starter assembly is permanently grounded to the engine block, the circuit is complete and cranking occurs as soon as the Starter Solenoid contacts close. When the engine starts, the drive assembly is designed to overrun and protect the armature from excessive speed until the Ignition Switch is released from the "START" position. With the Ignition Switch released, voltage is removed from the Starter Solenoid, and the windings de-energize. When the solenoid de-energizes, the return spring in the Starter Solenoid forces the contacts open, breaks the circuit between the Battery and the Starter Solenoid, and disengages the Drive Assembly.

CHARGING SYSTEM
The Generator provides DC voltage to operate the vehicle's electrical systems and to recharge the Battery. The voltage output of the Generator is controlled by a built-in IC Regulator.

When the Ignition Switch is turned to the "ON" position, battery voltage is applied through the IG-COIL Fuse (Junction Block) and the Charge Indicator to the IC Regulator in the Generator. When the Generator is not rotating, the IC Regulator provides a ground and causes the Charge Indicator to light. Voltage from the IG-COIL Fuse (Junction Block) also generates a magnetic field around the field coil. As the engine starts and the Generator begins to rotate, a voltage is also generated in the Stator. The IC Regulator senses this voltage and takes control of the field current. AC voltage is generated in 3 Stator Coils. This AC voltage is converted to DC voltage in the Rectifier Bridge. The DC output, after being regulated by the IC Regulator, is applied to the vehicle's Battery and electrical supply circuits at the BAT terminal of the Generator. A separate output voltage is provided to the Charge Indicator. Since equal voltage is now being applied to both sides of the Charge Indicator, the lamp loses its ground and goes out.

The IC Regulator is also connected to Battery voltage through the Generator BAT terminal. When the Battery is fully charged, the IC Regulator decreases field excitation. This reduces the output of the Generator to prevent overcharging. When the Battery has been discharged or is heavily loaded, the IC Regulator increases the field excitation and voltage output of the Generator.