Understand How the Vehicle Starter System Works

As technology advances, almost all motorcycle products are equipped with a starting system that serves as an alternative button to start the vehicle's engine. 

Thanks to this device, you don't need to exert extra effort to kick the kick starter. Here’s how the starter system works that you need to know. 

Principle of the Starter Motor System

Not all motor vehicle owners understand how each engine component works, including the starter motor system itself. 

In fact, its operation is quite simple, where the vehicle starter converts electrical energy into mechanical energy by utilizing Fleming's left hand.

This mechanical energy is what makes the vehicle move when you twist the throttle of the motorcycle. When the engine is started, you may hear the sound of the engine operating from the electric current flowing through its conductor. Meanwhile, the conductor itself is not in a magnetic field. 

Based on this brief explanation, it can be understood that the principle of how the vehicle starter system works is quite similar to the working principle of a generator. 

However, the difference between the two is that a generator has the principle of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, while the starter motor has the opposite principle.

So how does the starter button work? Please position the ignition key to the “on” sign first. This action generates electrical energy in the battery that is channeled to all electrical systems of the vehicle. After that, press the starter button while pressing both vehicle brakes. The engine will automatically start and be ready for use. 

Read also: Understanding the Working Principle of Electric Motors and Their Functions

Several Components of the Starter Motor System 

The starter motor will not operate without support from various additional components such as armature coil, starter clutch, battery, brush, and many other important components. 

All these components work together to ensure the vehicle's engine starts perfectly according to the working principle of the starter system. Each component has a different role, for example, the armature coil acts as a conductor that is supplied with electric current. 

This important component is cylindrical, made of iron core and wrapped with copper windings, allowing it to conduct electrical energy very well. 

Meanwhile, the starter clutch functions as the main starter relay that channels electric current from the battery to the starter motor. When the vehicle's ignition key is positioned to “ST”, the starter will automatically activate. The starter clutch itself consists of 2 terminals, namely terminal 30 which is directly connected to the battery and terminal 50 located on the ignition key. 

The brush is another important component that plays a crucial role in channeling electric current to the commutator. In the armature coil circuit, the commutator rotates when the armature shaft turns.

Another important component in the working principle of the starter system is the battery. This is because the battery serves as the main energy supply source to start the engine. 

The battery capacity of each vehicle is different, depending on the capacity of the vehicle's engine. For some people, starting the motorcycle engine using the kick starter can be quite difficult. 

Fortunately, this activity has been made easier thanks to the starting system now embedded in the latest motorcycle models. Just by pressing the button for a few seconds, the vehicle's engine successfully starts and is ready for use. 

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