CJ3A Operation and Care
Manual -- Proper Maintenance
(part 4 -- Electrical System)
ELECTRICAL
SYSTEM
The wiring diagram (Fig. 16) shows the general arrangement of all of the
electrical circuits, together with all the units in correct relation to the
position in which they are found. Regular inspection of all electrical
connections avoids failures in the electrical system. When tracing any one
particular circuit, note that the wires have different coloured tracers to
identify each individual wire.
BATTERY
The battery is of 6-volt, 15-plate, 100-ampere hour capacity. It is located
under the hood on a bracket attached to the right hand side rail of the frame
and held firmly on the base with a hold-down frame and two studs and wing nuts.
Check the battery once a week with a hydrometer and at the same time check
the electrolyte level in each cell; add distilled water to maintain the solution
level 5/8” (9.52 mm.) above the plates. Avoid overfilling and do not fail to
replace the filler caps and tighten securely. If the plates are exposed for any
length of time, they can be seriously damaged, therefore, it is important to add
enough water to keep the plates covered.
A hydrometer reading of 1.285 to 1.300 indicates that the battery is fully
charged. Should the reading fall below 1.225, it will be necessary to recharge
the battery or else use lights and the battery sparingly until the battery has
had an opportunity to build itself up again.
Coating the battery terminals with a light grease will protect them from
corrosion. The battery must be held securely in place, otherwise it may shift,
resulting in loose connections, broken cells or other trouble.
Should a sufficiently charged battery fail to crank the engine, it is
probably due to loose or corroded terminals or ground connections. The terminal
connections should be removed and all corrosion cleaned from them, as well as
the posts, to insure proper contact. Clean and tighten the grounded connection
on the frame. Clean and tighten the engine ground cable located on the right
hand side of the engine Fig. 10. This connection is necessary, due to the
rubber engine mountings.
FUEL GAUGE
The fuel gauge circuit is composed of the indicating unit, mounted on the
instrument panel, and the fuel tank unit, connected by a single wire through the
ignition switch.
Should the gauge fail to register, check all wire connections to be sure they
are tight and clean; also be sure both units are well grounded. If, after this
check, the gauge does not indicate properly, remove the wire from the tank unit
and connect it to a new tank unit which must be grounded to the tank or frame
for test. Turn the ignition switch “ON” and move the float arm through its
range of travel, watching the dash unit to determine if it indicates correctly.
If it fails to do so, the trouble is probably in the dash unit and it should be
replaced.
Should a new tank unit be unavailable for this test, disconnect the tank unit
wire at the instrument panel gauge. Connect one lead of a 6v., 1 CP test light
to the instrument panel unit terminal and with the ignition switch “ON” ground
the other. If the unit is operating correctly the pointer will move
approximately three-quarters across the dial.
Do not attempt to repair wither unit; replacement is the only procedure.
LIGHTING SYSTEM
The wiring of the lighting system is shown in Fig. 16. The lighting circuit is
protected by an overload circuit breaker mounted on the back of the main light
switch and no replaceable fuse is required. It clicks off and on in the event
of a short circuit in the wiring. The upper and lower headlight beams are
controlled by a foot switch located on the toe board at the left of the clutch
pedal.
MAIN LIGHT SWITCH
The main light switch Fig. 18 has three positions. When the switch control knob
is all the way in, all lights are turned off. Pulling it out to the first
position turns on the parking lights; all out to the second position, the
driving lights.
Should it be necessary to install a new light switch, refer to the wiring
diagram, which indicates the correct wires to install on the several terminals.
To remove the switch, loosen the set screw in the side of the switch control
knob and remove the knob by unscrewing. The retaining nut may then be removed
and the switch removed through the rear of the instrument panel.
STOPLIGHT SWITCH
The stoplight switch is of the diaphragm type and is located in the front end of
the brake master cylinder. When the switch becomes inoperative, it is necessary
to install a new one.
HEADLAMP AIMING
Headlamps may be aimed correctly by using an aiming screen or wall, Fig. 19,
providing a clear, level space of 25 feet from the front of the headlights to
the screen or wall is available.
The screen should be made of light coloured material and should have a black
centre line for use in centering the screen with the vehicle. The screen should
also have two black vertical lines, one on each side of the centre line at a
distance equal to the lamp centres.
Place the vehicle on the floor with the tires inflated to the recommended
pressure for highway use. Set the vehicle 25 feet from the front of the screen
or wall so that the centre line of the vehicle is in line with the centre line
on the screen. To position the vehicle, stand at the rear and sight through the
windshield down across the cowl and hood. Measure from the floor to the centre
of the headlamp and mark a horizontal line on the screen 3 inches less. Turn on
the headlamp upper beam, cover one lamp and check the location of the beam on
the screen. The centre of the “hot spot” should be centered on the intersection
of the vertical and horizontal lines. If the aim is incorrect, remove the
headlamp door screw and remove the door, then adjust the two screws in the
mounting ring and move the headlamp unit until the beam is correctly aimed, then
tighten. Cover the headlamp aimed and adjust the other in the same manner.
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