The electrical system is 12-volt negative ground.
The battery is charged by the alternator, which is driven by a belt from the crankshaft pulley.
The starter has a freewheel with pre-engagement with the traction relay. When starting the engine, the traction relay moves the drive gear, bringing it into engagement with the flywheel ring gear before the starter is activated. Once the engine has started, the freewheel prevents the engine from being transferred to the starter.
Disconnecting the Battery - Scenic Models
On Scenic models, the battery is located in a special compartment, under the right front seat. To disconnect the battery, the positive battery cable must be disconnected at the auxiliary terminal block. The terminal can be accessed by removing the cover (refer to accompanying illustration).
If the engine is started with heavy gauge wires and an optional battery, use the red secondary positive connection terminal rather than the battery terminal directly. This also applies when the charger is connected.
Precautions
A more detailed description of the various systems is set out in the relevant Sections of this Chapter.
When working on an electrical system, extra care must be taken not to damage semiconductor devices (diodes and transistors) and avoid electric shock.
Always remove rings, watches, etc. before working on an electrical system. Even with the battery disconnected, capacitive discharge may occur if the component's power clamp is accidentally shorted by a metal object. This may cause shock or severe burns.
Do not confuse the battery clamps. Components such as a generator, electronic controls or any other having a solid state circuit can be irreparably damaged.
When starting the engine using large wires and a starting device or a separate battery, you need to connect plus to plus and minus to minus. This also applies when connecting the battery to the charger.
Never disconnect battery, alternator, or any electrical wiring or instrumentation while the engine is running.
Do not allow the engine to rotate the generator disconnected from the electrical system.
Never test a generator by shorting its output terminals to ground.
Be sure to disconnect the negative battery cable when working on the electrical system.
Before using arc welding on a vehicle, disconnect the battery, alternator and components such as electronic ignition control and fuel injection system to protect them from damage.
Attention! If the radio in your car is coded, make sure you know the code before disconnecting the battery.