Car Device Sends Electrical Current to Start Engine

How Car Device Sends Electrical Current to Start Engine

The car device that sends electrical current to start the engine is called the starter motor. The starter motor is powered by the car’s battery, and its job is to convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy to turn over the engine.

The Starter Motor

The starter motor is a powerful electric motor that is mounted on the engine. It consists of a housing, an armature, a field coil, and a commutator.

The housing is the outer shell of the starter motor. It protects the internal components from damage.

The armature is the rotating part of the starter motor. It is made up of a series of copper coils wrapped around a laminated iron core.

The field coil is the stationary part of the starter motor. It creates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic field of the armature.

The commutator is a ring of copper segments that is attached to the armature. It makes contact with the brushes, which are connected to the car’s battery.

How the Starter Motor Works

When you turn the key in the ignition, the electrical current from the battery flows through the brushes and the commutator. This creates an electrical current in the armature, which interacts with the magnetic field of the field coil to create a force that turns the armature.

The armature is connected to the engine’s flywheel. When the starter motor turns the armature, it turns the flywheel, which in turn turns the engine. Once the engine is running, the starter motor is disengaged.

Common Problems with Starter Motors

Starter motors can experience a variety of problems, including:

• Dead battery: If the battery is dead, there will not be enough power to operate the starter motor.
• Worn brushes: The brushes make contact with the commutator, and over time, they can wear out. This can cause the starter motor to draw excessive current and overheat.
• Sticking solenoid: The solenoid is a small electromagnet that engages the starter motor with the flywheel. If the solenoid sticks, the starter motor will not be able to start the engine.

Replacing the Starter Motor

If your starter motor is not working properly, you will need to replace it. Replacing a starter motor is a relatively simple procedure that can be done in about an hour.

To replace the starter motor, you will need the following tools:

• Socket wrench
• Ratchet
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Electrical tape

Once you have the tools you need, you can follow these steps to replace the starter motor:

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Locate the starter motor. It is usually bolted to the engine.
3. Disconnect the electrical wires from the starter motor.
4. Remove the bolts that hold the starter motor in place.
5. Lift the starter motor out of the engine.
6. Install the new starter motor in the reverse order of removal.
7. Reconnect the electrical wires to the starter motor.
8. Connect the negative battery terminal.

Conclusion

The starter motor is a vital component of the car’s engine. It provides the electrical current that is needed to start the engine. If the starter motor is not working properly, the engine will not be able to start.