What is the purpose of a starter relay?

What is the purpose of a starter relay?

• A. To increase the voltage sent to the battery
• B. To engage the starter motor with a small current
• C. To protect the starter from overheating
• D. To provide backup power to the idle circuit

Answer: (B)

A starter relay serves a crucial function in the starting system of a vehicle. Its primary role is to engage the starter motor efficiently by allowing a small current to control the larger current that powers the starter. When the ignition switch is turned to the "start" position, the relay receives a small current and closes the contacts, thereby supplying a significant amount of battery power to the starter motor. This operation helps to minimize the amount of current drawn through the ignition switch itself, which protects it from excessive wear or damage. This action allows for a more reliable operation of the starter motor, providing the necessary torque to crank the engine while ensuring that the components are safely managed without having to carry the full load of the starter circuit through the ignition switch.

A starter relay serves a crucial function in the starting system of a vehicle. Its primary role is to engage the starter motor efficiently by allowing a small current to control the larger current that powers the starter. When the ignition switch is turned to the "start" position, the relay receives a small current and closes the contacts, thereby supplying a significant amount of battery power to the starter motor. This operation helps to minimize the amount of current drawn through the ignition switch itself, which protects it from excessive wear or damage.

This action allows for a more reliable operation of the starter motor, providing the necessary torque to crank the engine while ensuring that the components are safely managed without having to carry the full load of the starter circuit through the ignition switch.