Battery Operation

The battery supplies current to operate the starting motor and the ignition system when the engine is being started. The battery has three major functions in the electrical system:
1. Provides a source of energy for cranking the engine
2. Acts as a voltage stabilizer for the electrical system
3. For a limited time, it can provide energy when the electrical load used exceeds the output of the generator

The battery is an electrochemical devise. This means the battery uses chemicals to produce electricity. The amount of electricity it can produce is limited. As the chemicals in the battery are used up, the battery runs down, or is discharged. It can be recharged by supplying it with electric current from a battery charger, or from the vehicle generator. The used up chemicals are then returned to their original condition, so the battery becomes recharged.