Charging System: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The charging system is a negative ground system. The generator (including an internal voltage regulator) is belt-driven by the engine accessory drive system. When the engine is started, the generator begins to generate alternating current (AC), which is internally converted to direct current (DC). This current is then supplied to the vehicle electrical system through the output (B+) terminal of the generator.