Field Coil in Cars: Function, How It Works & Its Components
The function of the field coil is very important because this component plays a significant role in the process of starting the engine. The field coil also has its own way of working so that the car engine can be started.
In order for the field coil to function properly, this component is supported by several other components within it. If you are curious about these components, let's pay close attention to the following review.
Function of the Field Coil
The field coil is part of the starter motor. The field coil component has the function of sending electrical current, which will later be channeled to the engine. Thus, the magnetic field inside the rotor coil will increase.
This affects the sensitivity of the starter motor when receiving a larger electrical current from the battery. As a result, this electrical energy will be converted into motion energy so that it can drive the engine starter motor.
The movement of the starter motor will bring the air needed for the fuel combustion process so that the car engine can start properly.
How the Field Coil Works
The way the field coil works is quite simple. When you turn the car key from OFF to On, the field coil will produce a magnetic field that will directly interact with the magnetic field in the rotor coil.
This will cause the rotor to rotate. Meanwhile, in the electric motor, the field coil functions to produce a magnetic field so that the induction process on the armature can proceed smoothly.
Thus, electrical current can be generated so that it can be used to start the car engine.
Read Also: Understanding What the Car Starter System Is and Its Components
Components Inside the Starter Motor
The field coil is composed of several other components to perform its function well. Here are the components that make up the field coil.
1. Battery
This component serves as the supplier of electrical current so that the field coil component can function and produce a magnetic field.
2. Switch
This component is an electrical current regulator and controls the magnetic field of the field coil.
3. Wire
The wire is the main material found in this part of the field coil. It can be said that this component is wrapped by the core part of the field coil made of steel or iron. The wire in the field coil functions as a conductor because it is made of aluminum or copper.
4. Core Part
As explained above, the core part of the field coil is the component that wraps the wire. The core itself is made of steel or iron material that serves as a conductor of the magnetic field coming from the wire component.
5. Connector
This component serves as a link between the energy source and the magnetic field controller. The connector itself is made from aluminum or copper material coated with rubber or PVC plastic.
6. Insulation
This component can prevent short circuits or anything that could damage the field coil component. This component is made of rubber or PVC plastic, and is often used to coat other field coil components such as the wire component.
7. Support
As the name suggests, this component serves as a support for all components inside the field coil. This component is usually made of metal or plastic material.
Thus, this is information regarding the function of the field coil and the components of the field coil that you need to know. Given its very important function, the condition of the field coil should always be monitored.
Replace it immediately if this component is damaged. If not, it can cause the engine combustion process to be delayed (backfire) or interrupted (misfiring), the check engine light to turn on, the engine to be hard to start, and fuel consumption to become wasteful.