Automotive Electronics Practice Test

What is the typical voltage supplied to a starter motor?

1. 6 volts

2. 12 volts

3. 24 volts

4. 48 volts

The correct answer is: 12 volts

The typical voltage supplied to a starter motor in most automotive applications is 12 volts. This voltage level aligns with the standard electrical system used in the majority of vehicles, including personal cars and light trucks. The 12-volt system is specifically designed to provide sufficient power to start the engine, ensuring that the starter motor can effectively turn the engine over. This voltage is derived from the vehicle's battery, which is a lead-acid battery designed to deliver the high current needed for the starter motor to operate, typically around 100-200 amps during engine cranking. While there are some applications, such as larger commercial vehicles or specialized equipment that may use 24-volt systems, standard consumer vehicles predominantly utilize the 12-volt system due to its balance of power and ubiquitous availability in the automotive industry. Thus, option B is the accurate representation of the voltage commonly supplied to starter motors in everyday vehicles.