d

       A vehicle’s electrical system is comprised of three elements: the battery system, the charging system, and the starting system. All three systems work together as a team. When an electrical load is placed on a battery, a chemical reaction takes place. The sulfate molecules in the electrolyte break off and attach themselves to the negative and positive plates. At the same time, the oxygen atoms from the lead peroxide positive plates go into the electrolyte solution to join with the hydrogen atoms, forming H2O or water. The sulfate molecules moving to the plates and the oxygen atoms moving to the solution release energy. This is called the discharge cycle.   The Charging system is an important part of the electrical system. It provides electrical current for the lights, the radio, the heater, the engine’s electrical systems, and other electrical accessories. It also maintains the batteries in a charged state, recharging them as necessary. The alternator generates electrical power to run accessories and to recharge the batteries. It is normally driven by a belt located off the crankshaft. Mechanical energy from the crankshaft is converted by the alternator into electrical energy for the batteries and accessories.