What is the starter responsible for?

• A. Cranking the engine
• B. Charging the battery
• C. Controlling cruise control
• D. Regulating fuel pressure

Answer: (A)

The starter’s job is to crank the engine to start it. When you turn the key or push the start button, a large current flows from the battery to the starter motor through the starter solenoid. The solenoid engages a gear that meshes with the engine’s flywheel, and the motor spins the crankshaft so the engine begins its first cycles. Once the engine fires and runs, the starter disengages.

This isn’t about charging the battery (that’s done by the alternator once the engine is running), nor about cruise control (which maintains speed), nor about regulating fuel pressure (that’s a function of the fuel system regulator).