Electrical Systems

The Electrical System: Your Car's Nerve Center

When engines were first developed, they used electricity only to ignite the gas. Modern vehicles like yours operate using a complex system of electrical circuits that create, warehouse, and disburse the energy needed for operation.

Repairing a car’s electrical system means looking at three major components:

• The battery
• The starter
• The alternator

The CAR Battery: The Source of All Power

Your car’s battery is the primary source of electricity. It provides the energy necessary to run conveniences such as clocks, radios and alarms.

A Gemini battery inspection looks at:

• Overall car battery and case condition
• Cable connections
• Hold-down hardware
• Electrolyte level (where applicable)

Then a Battery Load Test is performed to measure the battery’s power level as required by the battery and vehicle manufacturers' specifications.

The motor Starter: Getting A Move On

The starter motor converts electricity to mechanical energy to turn the engine over. The starter requires a greater initial amount of current to flow from the battery to the starter motor to get the engine running.

Checking the starter means checking:

• Cable connections
• Mounting bolts and brackets

Then a Starter Electrical "Draw" Test is done, measuring the amount of electrical energy required to turn the engine over during cranking. Results are compared to manufacturer's specifications.

The Alternator: Keeping Your Car Running

Once the engine is running, the car's alternator takes over. It powers the electrical system and restores energy to the battery.

Ensuring the Alternator is running means looking at:

• An overall visual Inspection
• The drive belt
• Mounting brackets
• Electrical connections

A Charging System Test checks alternator output (current) and voltage and ensures they are to manufacturer's specifications.

Working together, your car’s battery, starter and alternator supply your car with electrical power. The power level is stabilized with a voltage regulator and a fuse box that prevents small malfunctions from becoming major problems.