Every car’s electrical system is composed of a wiring harness that connects various computer, controllers, lights, actuators, motors and switches. This electrical system is intergraded Click here throughout the car to communicate with each part using a central computer which runs the engine or main electric motor. The battery is responsible for supplying power to the car while the engine is not running but in electric cars the battery does all of the work while powering the motor. High amperage circuits are designed with larger components to handle the load without failing. Common maintenance includes inspecting electrical connectors that are visible including the battery cables.
WHAT GOES WRONG?
The most common problems with electrical systems are a short or open circuit. A short circuit is what happens when a wire has rubbed through to ground causing a fuse to blow. An open circuit is what happens when a connection stops working because of a broken wire or a bad conductivity. Low battery voltage can cause strange problems to the electrical components of the car due to insufficient operating voltage. Because of the construction of wiring connectors they can sometimes create high resistance which causes heat making the connector have an open circuit. When performing wiring repairs a wiring schematic is sometimes necessary to trace wires or locate a component.
The electrical system of any vehicle performs the same function. To deliver and monitor electrical power to various devices and sensors while under control of the computer system or a passenger inside the car.
computer
Wiring harness are groups of wires which are taped up in plastic tubes and routed around the car and throughout the engine compartment.
wiring harness
A wiring harness has many connectors that can serve as an extension to the main harness which allows routing to devices which are located beyond the reach of the main harness.
wiring harness connector
Connectors are disconnected by depressing a small tab on the side of the connector. Once apart the male side of the connector is designed with terminals that protrude outward which fit into sockets on the female side. Electrical or wire connectors can vary from a single terminal to many terminal depending on the application. Wire and connectors vary in size due to different amperage loads for each circuit.
connector disassembled
A device connector is used to connect to a particular item in the electrical system such as ignition coils which are shown in the image below. A safety is used to securely attach the connector to a device which adds an extra layer of protection from accidental disconnection. This safety clip must be removed before the connector can be released.
device connector safety
An electronic throttle control actuator is responsible for metering air flow into the engine which controls engine speed. A throttle control sensor located near the foot pedal supplies feedback data to the computer which activates the actuator. The throttle control system is integrated into the ABS, cruise control and traction control systems. In older vehicles throttle action was performed by a manually controlled throttle cable which is actuated by the driver’s right foot.
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