subject: Things You Should Know About Your Vehicle [print this page] Things You Should Know About Your Vehicle
In most automobiles, the starting system consists of the battery, the starter motor and the terminal switch mechanism.
Battery. Not only is your car battery responsible for the generation and transfer of current to start your engine, but also for transporting current if your vehicle's alternator falls short of doing the same and does not recharge the batter. The battery contains water and sulfuric acid, which produce hydrogen gas during the charging process. In order to keep your battery in good condition, it is necessary for you to check it every now and then to ensure that it is fastened to its cradle and that it is corrosion-free (especially on its terminals).
Ignition Switch. Automobile starting systems have a transfer route, through which current is passed (or is relayed) through some switches with terminals. These are knows as terminal switches. The typical ignition switch is a complex rotary device, sporting many brass terminals on its back. The basic function of the ignition switch is to transfer current as soon as the key is inserted and turned. Most cars have five ignition switch settings. In the "locked" and "off" mode, none of the circuits are closed, and the only difference is that you can move your steering wheel in the latter. In the "start" mode, current is discharged to the starter motor, whereas in the "run" option, only one circuit remains open. In the "accessories" mode, current is dispersed everywhere except the starter circuit. For example, in this mode, your engine will not work, but your power windows will.
Neutral Safety Switch. The neutral safety switch is a terminal switch that decides whether the starter circuit remains closed or not. With an automatic transmission in your car, expect the circuit to remain shut in the "park" or "neutral" modes. In other cases, the circuit stays open.
Starter Relay Mechanism. This is an intermediary terminal switch, also known as a starter solenoid, that relays or transfers current within the ignition circuit. When the ignition switch is turned on, a small circuit is completed, which boosts a stand by electromagnet. Attached to this magnet, is the relay switch, with specialized terminals designed to handle high voltage electric flow. This in turn is attached to the vehicle motor.
Starter Motor. This is the component that finally generated the current required to start the engine. It is joined to the positive terminal of the battery with the thick cable, capable of withstanding that charge.
Just keeping your motor or terminal switch mechanism in good working order, does not guarantee the proper functioning of your engine. The engine also depends on proper compression, requisite air being available, as well as operating sparks inside the combustion chamber of each cylinder.
