A vehicle’s electrical system is a collection of components that provide power and operation to various electronic systems and devices.
It performs the following functions:
* Engine Starting: The starter uses electrical current to start the internal combustion engine.
* Powering Electrical Appliances: The electrical system provides power for lights, power windows, audio systems, air conditioning, and other electrical appliances.
* Systems Control: Numerous electronic control units (ECUs) control various vehicle systems such as the engine, transmission and brakes.
* Driver information: The instrument panel and on-board computer inform the driver about speed, engine speed, fuel level and other parameters.
* Safety: Electronics play an important role in vehicle safety by controlling features such as airbags, stability control and anti-lock braking systems.
The vehicle’s electrical system consists of the following components:
* Battery: Stores electrical energy and provides power to start the engine and power electrical appliances when the engine is turned off.
* Alternator: Produces electrical current to charge the battery and power electrical appliances when the engine is running.
* Fuses and relays: protect the electrical system from overloads and malfunctions.
* Electrical wiring: cables and wires that connect the various components of an electrical system.
* ECU: electronic control units that receive data from sensors, process it and control various vehicle systems.
* On-board computer: the central unit that controls the electronic systems and provides information to the driver.