Lesson 1Battery Basics: Build, Chemistry, CCA, Internal Resistance, Resting Voltage and Charge LevelThis lesson covers the construction of lead-acid batteries, their chemical processes, and electrolyte actions. It details Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), reserve capacity, internal resistance, resting voltage, and state of charge, including testing methods, safety tips, and simple upkeep routines suitable for local workshops.
Battery casing, plates, and separator designsLead-acid reactions and discharge processesCold cranking amps and reserve capacity explainedInternal resistance and voltage drop under loadResting voltage and charge level chartsBattery testing, safety, and basic careLesson 2Voltage Control and Battery Care: Internal vs External Regulators, ECU Role, Charging PatternsThis lesson describes voltage control and battery management, comparing built-in and separate regulators. It includes ECU-managed charging, temperature adjustments, smart alternators, and charging patterns for various battery types, helping technicians handle common issues in Botswana's hot climate.
Built-in vs separate regulator designsSetpoint voltage and temperature impactsECU smart charging methodsLoad reduction and idle speed controlCharging patterns for lead-acid batteriesDiagnosing control and charging problemsLesson 3Aftermarket Electrical Additions: Effects of Sound Systems, Amplifiers, Distribution Points, Bad Setups and Wiring ErrorsThis lesson looks at aftermarket additions like sound systems, amplifiers, and lights. It explains power needs, wiring improvements, distribution points, and how poor setups, weak earths, and fuse mistakes lead to breakdowns and interference, with tips for safe installations in local vehicles.
Power needs of sound systems and amplifiersSafely upgrading power and earth wiringUsing distribution points and fuse boardsImpacts of poor earths and earth loopsCommon wiring errors and fire dangersLoad calculations for changesLesson 4Basic Electrical Principles: Voltage, Current, Resistance, Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws in VehiclesThis lesson reviews basic electrical principles for vehicles, defining voltage, current, and resistance. It applies Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s laws to series and parallel setups, covering power, fuses, and typical vehicle circuit actions, making complex ideas simple for practical use.
Voltage, current, resistance, and power basicsOhm’s law in series and parallel setupsKirchhoff’s voltage and current rulesPower loss and part ratingsReading basic vehicle wiring diagramsLinking principles to real vehicle circuitsLesson 5Earthing and Chassis Return Routes: Importance, Common Failures, Stray Resistance ImpactsThis lesson focuses on earthing and chassis return routes, explaining current return to the battery, roles of engine and body earths, and how stray resistance, rust, and loose parts cause voltage drops and sporadic faults, common in Botswana's dusty roads.
Chassis as return route and earthing planEngine, body, and battery earth strapsRust, paint, and contact resistanceEarth loops, noise, and sensor issuesTesting earths with voltage drop techniquesImproving earths with correct endingsLesson 6High Current Effects on Wiring: Voltage Drop, Heat, Connector Failures, Fuse and Link ActionsThis lesson explains high current impacts on wiring, including voltage drop, heat buildup, insulation wear, and connector breakdowns. It covers fuse and fusible link actions, choices, and placement for protection, vital for heavy-duty vehicles in local conditions.
Wire size, capacity, and voltage dropHeat from resistance and insulation failureConnector resistance and breakdown waysFuse types, ratings, and time curvesFusible links and main feed safetyRouting, bundling, and capacity adjustmentsLesson 7Starter Motor and Circuit: Function, Solenoid Role, Inrush Current, Heat LimitsThis lesson covers starter motor build, solenoid function, current paths, and torque creation. It includes inrush current, voltage drop, heat limits, common faults, and proper testing and protection, tailored for reliable starts in Botswana's varying weather.
Starter motor parts and torque creationSolenoid function and engagement stepsInrush current, cranking current, and limitsVoltage drop in starter cables and earthsHeat limits, duty cycle, and overheatingCommon starter faults and testsLesson 8Charging System Parts: Alternator Build, Diodes, Stator/Rotor Roles, Excitation CircuitThis lesson details alternator build, rotor and stator functions, rectifier diodes, and excitation circuits. It connects mechanical drive to electrical output, covering efficiency, failure modes, and basic multimeter testing for workshop use.
Alternator housing, bearings, and coolingRotor field winding and slip ring rolesStator windings and three-phase outputRectifier diodes and ripple featuresExcitation circuit and warning light roleAlternator output testing and failures
