Auto Electrical Works Paper 2, May/June 2022

Question 2

State:
the function of the starting system in a motor vehicle;
one type of starter motor.
(i) Table 2 contains the main components of a starting system. Complete it by stating one function of each component.

Table 2

S/N	Component	Function in the system
I	Ignition switch
II	Starter solenoid
III	Starter motor
IV	Battery

Fig. 1 represents the block diagram of a starting system. Label its blocks appropriately using the components listed in Table 2.

The expected responses were:

(i) Function of the starting system in a motor vehicle

- to crank the engine

(ii) Type of starter motor
- inertia starter motor
- pre-engaged starter motor

(b) (i) Table 2

S/N	Component	Function in the system
I	Ignition switch	Closes the circuit to enable current flow from battery to solenoid
II	Starter solenoid	Moves the starter pinion into engagement into ring gear Acts as a switch for heavy current
III	Starter motor	Converts electrical energy to mechanical energy
1V	Battery	Store chemical energy Supplies the current needed for the starter motor to operate

(ii)                                                                     Figure 1

Question 2 basically required candidates show good understanding of the principle of operation of a starter motor. The report by the Chief Examiner indicated that majority of the candidates could not respond well to tasks especially the table and the diagram.

Auto Electrical Works Paper 2, WASSCE (SC), 2022