STARTING CIRCUIT
The primary function of this is to provide the necessary power to start an engine
KEY COMPONENTS
i. Battery-Provide the power source for starting the circuit
ii. Starter motor converts electrical energy to mechanical energy
iii. Starter solenoid-acts as a relay/switch to connect battery to motor
iv. Ignition switch-activates the starting circuit when turned to the start position
OPERATION
a. When the ignition switch is turned-on to start position, it sends electrical signal to starter
solenoid. The starter solenoid connects battery voltage through contact disc to motor, the
starter motor engages drive pinion to engine flywheel and cranks it proving mechanical energy
to turn it. Then immediately starter motor disengages drive pinion using the overrunning clutch
after contact disconnect battery voltage from the motor.
TYPES OF STARTER MOTORS
i. Permanent magnet (PM)-Uses permanent magnets as a rotor/armature provides high
efficiency and reliability-advantages; high efficiency and reliability, compact design and low
weight, disadvantages; limited torque output, may not be suitable for high compression
engines.
ii. Series wound-Uses a series-wound coil as the rotor provide high torque and reliability-
advantages; high torque output, simple design and low cost, disadvantages; may have high
current draw, can be prone to overheating
iii. Shunt wound-Uses a shunt/parallel coil as the rotor provide high speed and reliability-
advantages; high speed and reliability, suitable for high compression engines and can be
designed for high torque output, disadvantages; may have complex design, can be prone to
overheating
iv. Compound wound-Uses a combination of series and parallel/shunt coils as the rotor
provide high torque and speed-advantages; high torque and speed, suitable for high
compression engines, can be designed for high -reliability application, disadvantages; may
have complex design, can be prone to overheating and higher cost compared to other types
v. Gear reduction-Uses a gear reduction system to increase torque and reduce speed
providing high efficiency and reliability-advantages; high torque output and efficiency,
suitable for high compression engines and have compact design, disadvantages; may have
high cost and can be prone to over heating
vi. Planetary gear-uses a planetary gear system to provide high torque and speed, commonly
used in heavy duty application-advantages; high toque output and efficiency, suitable for
high compression engines and have compact design, disadvantages; may have high cost
and can be prone to overheating and complex design.
vii. Bendix drive-uses a solenoid-actuated engagement system providing high efficiency
commonly used in most automotive application- advantages; high reliability and efficiency,
suitable for high compression engines and have compact design, disadvantages; may have
high cost, can be prone to solenoid failure and limited torque output compared to other
types
Starter Motor Bendix
This is the name given to the part that transfers the motor rotation to the flywheel ring gear. The
starter Bendix primarily consists of a pinion gear and a method to push the gear toward the
flywheel. In some starters, the Bendix uses inertia to engage with the flywheel. In a majority of
starters today, the Bendix is a solenoid-operated mechanism. These starter types also include
an over-running clutch to prevent the engine from driving the motor.
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Pre-engaged Starter
Most cars today use the pre- engaged starter motors. The starter consists of an electric motor but
with a more effective solenoid-driven pinion. The construction basically consists of the motor, a
solenoid mounted to the top of the motor and a fork or lever to push the pinion to engage with the
flywheel. An over-running clutch is also used to prevent the flywheel from driving the motor once
the engine starts.
The operation of the pre-engaged starter motor has already been explained. Turning the engine
starting key or pushing the START button activates the solenoid which, in turn pulls a plunger. The
plunger closes the motor circuit while at the same time moving a lever and pushing the pinion to
mesh with the flywheel gear.
Cutting off the current to the solenoid has an opposite effect. The motor stops spinning and the
pinion withdrawal. Pre-engaged starter motors provide a smoother engagement and
disengagement. There’s less wear on the pinion gear. Other advantages include the reliable
operation.
NOTE: Each type has its own advantage and disadvantage and the choice depend on specific
application, vehicle type and performance requirements
COMMON ISSUES AND TROUBLESHOOTING
a. Dead battery-symptoms; clicking sound, slow cranking or no cranking-remedies; check
battery voltage, recharge or replace. Also check battery terminals for and cables for
corrosion.
b. Faulty starter solenoid-symptoms; clicking sound, slow cranking or no cranking-remedies;
check starter solenoid for proper engagement and disengagement of the drive pinion, clean
and replace the starter solenoid, test continuity of pull-in winding (G and 50 terminals)
c. Faulty starter motor-symptoms; slow cranking, no cranking or grinding noise-remedies;
check for proper operation and mechanical binding, state of armature, clean and replace the
starter motor, check starter motor wiring, test continuity on commutator, short-circuit test
(commutator and armature).
d. Ignition switch-symptoms; slow cranking or no cranking or intermittent starting-remedies;
check continuity of the switch and its output voltage, clean or replace the switch or check
wiring.
e. Starter relay-symptoms; slow cranking or no cranking or intermittent starting-remedies;
check if coil or control circuit is ok, Power is connecting and output correct value available
and clean or replace
f. Low voltage-symptoms; slow cranking or no cranking or intermittent starting-remedies;
check battery voltage and charge level, Charge or replace and check battery terminals for
corrosion
g. Faulty crankshaft/camshaft position sensor-symptoms; slow cranking or no cranking or
intermittent starting-remedies; Check crankshaft or camshaft position sensor for proper
operation, check or replace the sensor and check sensor wiring and connection
