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How does a starter motor work

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Starter motor

Video tutorial

Explained in a very simple way, with terminology suitable for anyone, a starter motor works like this: it is the heart that makes the engine of our car beat: an electric device that transforms the electrical energy supplied by the battery into mechanical energy.

When we turn the key (or press the start button) we are starting an electrical process, and the component called the "solenoid" receives the electrical energy and activates, creating a magnetic field.

This magnetic field sets in motion a small direct current electric motor, which is the heart of the starter motor. Connected to the electric motor is the pinion (a small gear wheel) that engages with the ring gear of the main engine flywheel.

The electric motor rotates the pinion, which in turn rotates the flywheel; the rotation of the flywheel compresses the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders, and ignites the spark plugs, starting the combustion process that powers the engine. Once the engine has reached a certain number of revolutions, the pinion automatically disengages from the ring gear, and the starter motor stops.

Essentially, the starter motor simply provides the initial push to turn the engine and start it.


Posted on 22 January 2025 by ScegliAuto


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by ScegliAuto

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