Sample Review Questions:
1.
Counterman A says a replacement battery should have the same or higher
CCA rating as the original battery. Counterman B says a battery’s
“group size” depends on the CCA rating of the battery and its post
configuration. Who is right?
a. Counterman A only
b. Counterman B only
c. Both Counterman A and B
d. Neither one
2. What is the function of the diodes (rectifier assembly) in an alternator?
a. Convert Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC)
b. Convert Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC)
c. Regulate charging voltage
d. Regulate electrical system voltage
3. A gear reduction starter:
a. Uses gears to reduce friction
b. Uses gears to reduce cranking speed
c. Uses gears to increase cranking speed
d. Uses gears to deliver more cranking torque
4. The magnets in a permanent magnet starter do what?
a. Hold the shaft bearings in place
b. Replace the armature
c. Replace the field coils
d. Replace the brushes
ANSWER KEY
1A, 2B, 3D, 4C
EXPLANATIONS:
1.
The CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) rating of a battery is how many amps it
can deliver when cranking the engine. CCA ratings typically range from
450 to 1,000 CCA. Most engines require about 1.5 to 2 CCA for every
cubic inch of displacement for reliable cold weather starting. A
replacement battery should have the same or higher CCA rating as the
original.
The Group Size of a battery depends on its physical
dimensions (height, width and length) and post configuration (the top
or side location of the terminals, and the orientation of the positive
and negative terminals on the battery case). The group size has nothing
to do with the battery’s CCA rating. A replacement battery must a
compatible group size so it will fit the vehicle’s battery tray,
battery holddown and cable connections. OEM group sizes are often
consolidated to reduce the number of different batteries your store
must carry to cover popular vehicle applications.
2. An
alternator produces Alternating Current (AC), but the vehicle’s
electrical system and electronics all require Direct Current (DC).
Inside the back of the alternator are three pairs of diodes that allow
current to flow in one direction only. This converts the AC voltage
output to DC at the BAT+ terminal on the alternator. The alternator’s
charging voltage and current will vary depending on the electrical
load, the state of charge of the battery, temperature and engine speed.
Most charging systems output 13.5 to 14.5 volts. The output voltage is
controlled by a voltage regulator (internal or external), or by the
vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM). Charging problems can be
caused by worn brushes inside the alternator, opens or shorts inside
the alternator, by loose or corroded wiring harness connections at the
alternator, or by the voltage regulation control circuit. Bench testing
is recommended to verify the alternator’s output is good or bad.
3.
Cranking an engine requires a lot of current (amperage) and torque,
which requires a fairly large, heavy and powerful starter motor. By
adding reduction gears to the starter drive, the size, weight and
amperage requirements of the starter motor can all be reduced.
Reduction gears provide leverage that multiplies the starter motor’s
output. The gears have no effect on cranking speed. If an engine cranks
slowly, the battery may be weak, there may be excessive resistance in
the starter circuit electrical connections, or the starter may be
failing.
4. Another change that has been made to reduce the size
and weight of starter motors is to replace the outer field coils that
surround the rotating armature inside a starter with strong permanent
magnets.
Sections covered:
Automatic Transmission
Batteries
Brakes
Cooling System
Drivetrain
Emissions
Engine Mechanical Parts
Exhaust
Fuel System
HVAC
Gaskets
Ignition System
Manual Transmission
Suspension and Steering
Management