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AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND WIRING

AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND WIRING

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EMERGENCY LIGHT SYSTEM<br />

The emergency light system, also termed hazard warning system, is designed to signal<br />

oncoming traffic that a vehicle has stopped, stalled, or has pulled up to the side of the<br />

road. The system consists of a switch, flasher unit, four turn signal lights, and related<br />

wiring. The switch is normally a push-pull switch and is mounted on the steering<br />

column.<br />

When the switch is closed, current flows through the emergency flasher. Like a turn<br />

signal flasher, the emergency flasher opens and closes the circuit to the lights. This<br />

causes all four turn signals to flash.<br />

Figure 2-71.- Brake light switches.<br />

CIRCUIT BREAKERS <strong>AND</strong> FUSES<br />

Fuses are safety devices placed in electrical circuits to protect wires and electrical<br />

units from a heavy flow of current. Each circuit, or at least each individual electrical<br />

system, is provided with a fuse that has an ampere rating for the maximum current<br />

required to operate the units. The fuse element is made from metal with a low-melting<br />

point and forms the weakest point of the electrical circuit. In case of a short circuit or<br />

other trouble, the fuse will be burned out first and open the circuit just as a switch<br />

would do. Examination of a burnt-out fuse usually gives an indication of the problem.<br />

A discolored sight glass indicates the circuit has a short either in the wiring or in one<br />

of its components. If the glass is clear, the problem is an overloaded circuit. Be sure<br />

when replacing a fuse that it has a rating equal to the one burned out. Ensure that the<br />

trouble of the failure has been found and repaired.<br />

A circuit breaker performs the same function as a fuse. It disconnects the power source<br />

from the circuit when current becomes too high. The circuit breaker will remain open<br />

until the trouble is corrected. Once the trouble is corrected, a circuit breaker will<br />

automatically reset itself when current returns to normal levels. The fuses and circuit<br />

breakers can usually be found behind the instrument panel on a fuse block (fig. 2-72).<br />

<strong>AUTOMOTIVE</strong> <strong>ELECTRICAL</strong> <strong>CIRCUITS</strong> <strong>AND</strong> <strong>WIRING</strong> 85/ 101

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