Engine Starter: How it works
Does your car’s engine need a little push every time it turns on? This push is called a starter. Do you know how it works? In this article we clarify all doubts! Keep reading.
What is the starter?
The starter is an electric motor with several components inside that help to achieve the first combustion or engine move. Through the energy stored in the battery, it can make the engine work as soon as the key is triggered.
The starter is composed of 8 parts:
- Armor.
- Switch;
- Brushes;
- Solenoid;
- Pin Punch;
- Lever Fork;
- Pine Nut.
- Ignition Coil
How does the engine starter work?
Engine starter is responsible to rotate the engine’s camshaft through the motor steering wheel. For this, it has an electrical circuit inside it. Here’s how it works:
- Turn on the ignition key and the engine battery turns on the instrument panel.
- Drives the engine starter by turning the ignition key around.
- The starter drives a rotary crank.
- The crank drives the motor steering wheel;
- The first explosion occurs inside the engine block;
- The engine starts its normal operation.
How much does an engine starter costs?
A new starter ranges from EUR 70 to EUR 330 and varies depending on engine size in question, i.e. a vehicle with a larger combustion engine will require a larger starter.
Where can I buy a new starter?
A new starter can be purchased in a car parts store or in your brand official dealership.
In these stores you can also purchase starter spare parts, such as:
- Starter Solenoid
- Starter Brushes
- Ignition Coil
Engine Starter Solenoid
The engine solenoid acts as an electric circuit. This is responsible for activating the engine due to kinetic energy. When activated it closes the electrical circuit and the power is driven to the rest of components that are responsible for pressing the engine steering wheel.
Engine Starter Brushes
The starter brushes are made of carbon or coal and is connected to the electric circuit. Its function is to conduct electricity to individual segments according to brushes path.
If you overuse the starter brushes, you may not be able to transmit the electricity correctly and if the starter does not receive power, it will not work.
In these cases there are kits to change the starter brushes at home. If you do not feel comfortable solving the problem, you should go to your mechanic
Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is two or more coils sealed in a box inside engine starter drive connected in series.
Its function is to receive the energy from battery and convert it into an electromagnet that transforms the armor. This process serves to create a magnetic field around the armor.
Engine Starter Problems – Symptoms
Instrument panel and the motor does not start
When you turn on the vehicle and only the dashboard starts, you are faced with a situation where there is power in the battery and in the alternator, but the engine does not work.
One-click sound when turning the key
When the ignition switch is rotated, the engine is expected to start operating. However, the starter can have problems when you listen just the click or even no sound at all.
