Date: Around 1993
When you turn the key in your car, what makes the engine start?
The key turns on a switch that does two things:
1. sends power to the ignition system so the gas will ignite in the
2. energizes the starter solenoid which closes another switch (a very high
current switch) that makes the starter motor work that makes the engine turn
slowly that causes a fuel-air mixture to enter the cylinders so the ignition
system can ignite it. Once a few cylinders have fired, the engine usually
runs without the help of the starter motor.
Piece of cake!
When you turn the key, a starter motor turns the engine over until the fuel
begins to combust, and the engine runs itself. In the "old" days people
started cars by cranking a handle in front of the engine. This basically
the same thing. Now the starter motor runs off the battery, and cranks the
engine for you.
Click here to return to the Engineering Archives
Update: June 2012