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

Question 2

  1. State:
  2. the function of the starting system in a motor vehicle;
  3. one type of starter motor.
  4. (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

 

  1. 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:

  1. (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.