Which component engages the pinion gear?

Which component engages the pinion gear?

• A. Starter Solenoid
• B. Flywheel
• C. Engine starter motor
• D. Crank sensor

Answer: (A)

The starter solenoid is responsible for engaging the pinion gear. When you start the engine, current through the solenoid pushes the pinion drive forward so it meshes with the ring gear on the flywheel. At the same time, the solenoid closes the high-current circuit to the starter motor, which then spins the pinion and the flywheel to crank the engine. The flywheel provides the ring gear the pinion meshes with, but it doesn’t move the pinion itself. The engine starter motor supplies the turning force once the gears are engaged, and the crank sensor simply monitors position rather than engage gears.

The starter solenoid is responsible for engaging the pinion gear. When you start the engine, current through the solenoid pushes the pinion drive forward so it meshes with the ring gear on the flywheel. At the same time, the solenoid closes the high-current circuit to the starter motor, which then spins the pinion and the flywheel to crank the engine. The flywheel provides the ring gear the pinion meshes with, but it doesn’t move the pinion itself. The engine starter motor supplies the turning force once the gears are engaged, and the crank sensor simply monitors position rather than engage gears.