Starter
Description:
The starter consists of an electric motor that powers a starter drive-a special pinion gear designed to engage with the ring gear of the flywheel or torque converter. Many of today's starters also use a gear reduction to increase the torque output of the starter. The starter is usually mounted to the rear of the engine or the front of the transmission housing.
Purpose:
The starter cranks the engine when the ignition switch is turned to the start position. The starter drive uses an overrunning clutch that freewheels if the engine starts while the starter is still engaged, reducing the likelihood of damage to the starter drive and ring gear.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
To ensure good starter performance, check your vehicle's battery cables at every oil change. The cables should be tight and free from corrosion. Corroded or loose connections can cause slow cranking, arcing at cable connections, and other electrical system problems. The battery case and terminals can be cleaned using a mixture of baking soda and water. As an added measure to fight terminal corrosion, chemically treated felt rings can be placed over the battery posts. Each spring, prior to travel season, it's wise to have your car's starter tested as part of a comprehensive starting, charging and battery test. This test will determine whether your car's starter is drawing its normal amount of current. Excessive current draw usually means a worn starter and results in hard starting. Take your car to a professional service technician to get to the heart of your car's starting system problem.
Alternator
Description:
The alternator consists of a spinning set of electrical windings called a rotor, a stationary set of windings called a stator, a rectifier assembly, a set of brushes to maintain electrical contact with the rotor, and a pulley. All of these parts except the pulley are contained in an aluminum housing. Today's alternators use compact, electronic voltage regulators that may be housed inside the alternator or the voltage regulator function may be handled by the vehicle's powertrain control module (PCM).
Purpose:
The alternator generates direct current for recharging the battery and for powering vehicle electrical loads.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Have the alternator's drive belt tension checked at every oil change. A loose belt can reduce alternator output and run down your car's battery. Each spring, prior to travel season, it's wise to have your car's charging system tested as part of a comprehensive starting, charging and battery test. This test will determine whether your car's alternator is putting out the proper amount of current and voltage. Your car's alternator is designed to recharge the battery after slight discharging such as engine starting; the alternator is not designed for charging heavily discharged ("dead") batteries. Relying on the alternator to charge a heavily discharged battery can overload the alternator and cause damage. In such cases, use a battery charger instead. An alternator problem can cause a discharged battery, poor accessory and light operation, frequent bulb replacement, repeat voltage regulator failures, erratic engine operation, or a dashboard warning light to illuminate. To pinpoint the cause, have your car's charging system checked out by a qualified service technician.
SOURCE: CAR CARE COUNCIL |
