1. Key or Ignition Switch: When the driver turns the key or presses the ignition button, the electrical circuit to the starter motor is completed. This action sends an electrical signal to the starter solenoid.
2. Starter Solenoid: The starter solenoid, also called a relay, receives the electrical signal from the ignition switch. It engages the starter's electrical circuit and completes the connection between the battery and the starter motor.
3. Bendix Gear: The starter solenoid activates a gear called the Bendix gear, which is attached to the starter motor's shaft. The Bendix gear moves forward and engages with the vehicle's flywheel, a large rotating disc connected to the engine's crankshaft.
4. Electrical Power from Battery: Once the Bendix gear engages with the flywheel, the starter motor draws a large amount of electrical current from the vehicle's battery. The battery supplies the necessary power to the starter motor to crank the engine.
5. Starter Motor Operation: The electrical energy from the battery reaches the starter motor's electric motor, which converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy. This causes the starter motor to spin rapidly.
6. Engine Cranking: As the starter motor spins, it rotates the Bendix gear and the flywheel, which in turn cranks the engine's crankshaft. This motion initiates the engine's combustion process by moving the pistons up and down within the cylinders.
7. Disengagement: Once the engine starts running, the starter solenoid disengages the Bendix gear from the flywheel. This prevents the starter motor from continuing to crank the engine unnecessarily.
8. Retraction of Bendix Gear: After disengagement, the Bendix gear retracts to its original position, and the starter motor stops spinning.
In summary, a car starter works by utilizing electrical energy from the battery to initiate the engine's combustion process. It involves engaging the Bendix gear with the flywheel, drawing power from the battery, spinning the starter motor, and cranking the engine's crankshaft. Once the engine starts, the starter disengages, and the Bendix gear retracts. This process allows the vehicle's engine to come to life and begin its normal operation.
