This is my first Arduino project. But I am pretty well aware of the automotive environment but not educated enough to know what to do about it. Mercedes Benz uses this 4700uF capacitor. I'm guessing it's to smooth out half of this.
For dealing with startup, I am thinking of using the alternator field output with a 12V zener diode to not allow the Arduino to turn on until a threshold of 12V is reached ie Alternator light goes out. It may also require a timer relay or circuit for maybe a 5 sec delay or so. But as always the simpler I can make it the better.
I will do a search for threads on WDT and Brownout protection.
In the mean time my 2N7000 MOSFET is due in by 5:00 PM today
