Chapter 13

OBJECTIVES
After studying Chapter 13, the reader should be able to:

1. Prepare for ASE Electrical/Electronic Systems
(A6) certification test content area A (General
Electrical/Electronic Systems).
2. Explain magnetism.
3. Describe how magnetism and voltage are related.
4. Describe how an ignition coil works.
5. Explain how an electromagnet works.
Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

Electronic, and Computer Systems, Fifth Edition
By James D. Halderman
2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Pearson Prentice Hall - Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
FUNDAMENTALS OF MAGNETISM
Magnetism is a form of
energy that is caused by
the motion of electrons in
some materials.
It is recognized by the
attraction it exerts on other
materials.
FIGURE 13-1 A freely suspended

natural magnet will point toward
the magnetic north pole.


A CRACKED MAGNET BECOMES TWO MAGNETS

Magnets are commonly
used in vehicle crankshaft,
camshaft, and wheel speed
sensors.
A typical problem occurs
when a magnetic
crankshaft sensor becomes
cracked, resulting in a nostart condition.
FIGURE 13-2 If a magnet breaks or is

cracked, it becomes two weaker magnets.


Lines of Force
The lines that create a field
of force around a magnet
are believed to be caused
by the way groups of atoms
are aligned in the magnetic
material.
FIGURE 13-3 Magnetic lines of force

leave the north pole and return to the
south pole of a bar magnet.

Lines of Force
The more lines of force that exist, the stronger the
magnet.
The magnetic lines of force, also called magnetic
flux or flux lines, form a magnetic field.
Flux density refers to the number of flux lines per
unit of area.


Lines of Force
FIGURE 13-4 Iron filings on a compass can be

used to observe the magnetic lines of force.

Magnetic Induction
If a piece of iron or steel is placed in a magnetic
field, it will also become magnetized.
This process of creating a magnet by using a
magnet field is called magnetic induction.


Attracting or Repelling
The poles of a magnet are called north (N) and south (S) because, when
a magnet is suspended freely, the poles tend to point toward the North
and South poles of the Earth.
FIGURE 13-5 Magnetic poles behave like electrically charged

particlesunlike poles attract and like poles repel.

Permeability
Magnetic flux lines cannot be insulated.
There is no known material through which magnetic
force does not pass, if the force is strong enough.
However, some materials allow the force to pass
through more easily than others.
This degree of passage is called permeability.


Reluctance
Although there is no absolute insulation for
magnetism, certain materials resist the passage of
magnetic force.
This can be compared to resistance without an
electrical circuit.
Air does not allow easy passage, so air has a high
reluctance.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
The interaction and relationship between
magnetism and electricity is known as
electromagnetism.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Creating an Electromagnet
A magnet can be created by magnetizing a piece of
iron or steel or by using electricity to make an
electromagnet.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Straight Conductor
The magnetic field
surrounding a straight,
current-carrying conductor
consists of several
concentric cylinders of flux
that are the length of the
wire.
FIGURE 13-6 A magnetic field surrounds a

straight current-carrying conductor.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Left and Right Hand Rules
Magnetic flux cylinders have direction, just as the flux lines
surrounding a bar magnet have direction.
The left-hand rule is a simple way to determine this
direction.
When you grasp a conductor with your left hand so that your
thumb points in the direction of electron flow (- to +) through
the conductor, your fingers curl around the wire in the
direction of the magnetic flux lines.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
FIGURE 13-7 The left-hand rule for magnetic field direction

is used with the electron flow theory.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Most automotive circuits
use the conventional theory
of current (+ to -) and,
therefore, the right-hand
rule is used to determine
the direction of the
magnetic flux lines.
FIGURE 13-8 The right-hand rule for

magnetic field direction is used with the
conventional theory of electron flow.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Field Interaction
The cylinders of flux surrounding current-carrying
conductors interact with other magnetic fields.
FIGURE 13-9 Conductors with opposing magnetic fields

will move apart into weaker fields.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Motor Principle
Electric motors, such as automobile starter motors, use this
field interaction to convert electrical energy into mechanical
energy.
FIGURE 13-10 Electric motors use the

interaction of magnetic fields to produce
mechanical energy.

ELECTROMAGNETISM
Coil Conductor
If several loops of wire are made into a coil, then the
magnetic flux density is strengthened.
Flux lines around a coil are the same as the flux lines around
a bar magnet.
FIGURE 13-11 The magnetic lines of flux

surrounding a coil look similar to those surrounding
a bar magnet.

ELECTROMAGNETISM
Coil Conductor
They exit from the north pole and enter at the south pole.
Use the left-hand thread rule to determine the north pole of a
coil.
FIGURE 13-12 The left-hand rule for coils is shown.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Electromagnet Strength
The magnetic field surrounding a current-carrying
conductor can be strengthened (increased) three
ways.
Place a soft iron core in the center of the coil.
Increase the number of turns of wire in the coil.
Increase the current flow through the coil windings.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Electromagnet Strength
The magnetic field strength
is often expressed in the
units called ampere-turns.
Coils with an iron core are
called electromagnets.
FIGURE 13-13 An iron core concentrates the

magnetic lines of force surrounding a coil.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Relays
A relay is a control device
which allows a small
amount of current to control
a large amount of current in
another circuit.
A simple relay contains an
electromagnetic coil in
series with a battery and a
switch.
FIGURE 13-14 An electromagnetic relay.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Relays
A contact point, made of a good conductor, is
attached to the free end of the armature.
Another contact point is fixed a small distance away.
The two contact points are wired in series with an
electrical load and the battery.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Relays
When the switch is closed, the following occurs.
Current travels from the battery through the
electromagnet.
The magnetic field created by the current attracts the
armature, pulling it down until the contact points meet.
Closing the contacts allows current in the second circuit
from the battery to the load.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Relays
When the switch is open, the following occurs.
The electromagnet loses its current and its magnetic field.
Spring pressure brings the armature back.
The second circuit is broken by the opening of the contact
points.


ELECTROMAGNETISM
Relays
FIGURE 13-15 In this electromagnetic switch, a light

current (low amperes) produces an electromagnet and
causes the contact points to close. The contact points then
conduct a heavy current (high amperes) to an electrical
unit.


ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
Magnetic flux lines create an electromotive force, or
voltage, in a conductor if either the flux lines or the
conductor is moving.
This movement is called relative motion.
This process is called induction, and the resulting
electromotive force is called induced voltage.


FIGURE 13-16 Voltage can be induced by the relative motion

between a conductor and magnetic lines of force.


Voltage Strength
Voltage is induced when a conductor cuts across magnetic
flux lines.
There are four ways to increase induced voltage.
Increase the strength of the magnetic field, so there are more flux
lines.
Increase the number of conductors that are breaking the flux lines.
Increase the speed of the relative motion between the conductor and
the flux lines so that more lines are broken per time unit.
Increase the angle between the flux lines and the conductor to a
maximum of 90 degrees.


Voltage Strength
FIGURE 13-17 No voltage is induced if the conductor is

moved in the same direction as the magnetic lines of
force (flux lines).


Voltage Strength
FIGURE 13-18 Maximum voltage is induced when

conductors cut across the magnetic lines of force (flux
lines) at a 90 degree angle.


Voltage Strength
An induced current moves so that its magnetic field
opposes the motion which induced the current.
This principle is called Lenzs law.


Self Induction
When current begins to flow in a coil, the flux lines
expand as the magnetic field forms and
strengthens.
As current increases, the flux lines continue to
expand, cutting across the wires of the coil and
actually inducing another voltage within the same
coil.


Mutual Induction
When two coils are close together, energy may be
transferred from one to the other by magnetic
coupling called mutual induction.
Mutual induction means that the expansion or
collapse of the magnetic field around one coil
induces a voltage in the second coil.


Mutual Induction
FIGURE 13-19 Mutual induction occurs when the expansion or collapse of a

magnetic field around one coil induces a voltage in a second coil.

IGNITION COILS
The heart of any ignition
system is the ignition coil.
The coil creates a highvoltage spark by
electromagnetic induction.
FIGURE 13-20 Internal construction of an oilcooled ignition coil. Notice that the primary
winding is electrically connected to the
secondary winding. The polarity (positive or
negative) of a coil is determined by the
direction in which the coil is wound.

IGNITION COILS
FIGURE 13-21 Typical air-cooled

epoxy-filled E coil.
FIGURE 13-22 Cutaway of a General
Motors Type II distributorless
ignition coil. Note that the primary
windings are inside of the secondary
windings.

WHAT IS A MARRIEDAND DIVORCEDCOIL

DESIGN?
FIGURE 13-23 A tapped (married) type of ignition coil

where the primary winding is tapped (connected) to the
secondary winding.


ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE
SUPPRESSION
Until the advent of the onboard computer,
electromagnetic interference (EMI) was not a
source of real concern to automotive engineers.


ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE
SUPPRESSION
There are four ways of transmitting EMI, all of which can be
found in a vehicle.
Conductive coupling is actual physical contact through circuit
conductors.
Capacitive coupling is the transfer of energy from one circuit to
another through an electrostatic field between two conductors.
Inductive coupling is the transfer of energy from one circuit to another
as the magnetic fields between two conductors form and collapse.
Electromagnetic radiation is the transfer of energy by the use of radio
waves from one circuit or component to another.


ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE SUPPRESSION

EMI Suppression Devices
There are four general ways in which EMI is reduced.

By the addition of resistance to conductors, which suppresses
conductive transmission and radiation
By the use of capacitors and radio choke coil combinations to reduce
capacitive and inductive coupling
By the use of metal or metalized plastic shielding, which reduces EMI
radiation in addition to capacitive and inductive coupling
By an increased use of ground straps to reduce conductive
transmission and radiation by bypassing the unwanted signals to
ground



Suppression Capacitors and Coils
Capacitors are installed across many circuits and

switching points to absorb voltage fluctuations.
Among other applications, they are used across the
following:
The primary circuit of some electronic ignition modules
The output terminal of most alternators
The armature circuit of electric motors



Ground Straps
Ground or bonding straps between the engine and

chassis of an automobile help suppress EMI
conduction and radiation by providing a lowresistance circuit ground path.
Such suppression ground straps are often installed
between rubber-mounted components and body
parts.



Ground Straps
FIGURE 13-24 To help prevent under-hood electromagnetic devices

from interfering with the antenna input, it is important that the hood be
grounded to the body to form one continuous metal covering around the
engine compartment. This is particularly important if the vehicle has a
front fender-mounted antenna. This braided ground strap is standard
equipment on this Dodge Caliber and helps eliminate radio interference.


SUMMARY
1. Most automotive electrical components use
magnetism, the strength of which depends on
both the amount of current (amperes) and the
number of turns of wire of each electromagnet.
2. The strength of electromagnets is increased by
using a soft-iron core.
3. Voltage can be induced from one circuit to
another.
4. Electricity creates magnetism and magnetism
creates electricity.
5. Radio-frequency interference (RFI) is a part of
electromagnetic interference (EMI).

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is the relationship between electricity and
magnetism?
2. What is the difference between mutual induction
and selfinduction?
3. What is the result if a magnet cracks?
4. How can EMI be reduced or controlled?


CHAPTER QUIZ
1.
Technician A says that magnetic lines of force can be seen

by placing iron filings on a piece of paper and then holding
them over a magnet. Technician B says that the effects of
magnetic lines of force can be seen using a compass.
Which technician is correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Technician A only
Technician B only
Both Technicians A and B
Neither Technician A nor B


CHAPTER QUIZ
1.
Technician A says that magnetic lines of force can be seen

by placing iron filings on a piece of paper and then holding
them over a magnet. Technician B says that the effects of
magnetic lines of force can be seen using a compass.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Technician A only
Technician B only


CHAPTER QUIZ
2. Unlike magnetic poles _____ and like magnetic
poles _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Repel; attract
Attract; repel
Repel; repel
Attract; attract


CHAPTER QUIZ
2. Unlike magnetic poles _____ and like magnetic
poles _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Repel; attract
Attract; repel
Repel; repel
Attract; attract


CHAPTER QUIZ
3.
The conventional theory for current flow is being used to

determine the direction of magnetic lines of force.
Technician A says that the left-hand rule should be used.
Technician B says that the right-hand rule should be used.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Technician A only
Technician B only


CHAPTER QUIZ
3.
The conventional theory for current flow is being used to

determine the direction of magnetic lines of force.
Technician A says that the left-hand rule should be used.
Technician B says that the right-hand rule should be used.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Technician A only
Technician B only


CHAPTER QUIZ
4. Technician A says that a relay is an
electromagnetic switch. Technician B says that a
solenoid uses a movable core. Which technician is
correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Technician A only
Technician B only


CHAPTER QUIZ
4. Technician A says that a relay is an
electromagnetic switch. Technician B says that a
solenoid uses a movable core. Which technician is
correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Technician A only
Technician B only


CHAPTER QUIZ
5.
Two technicians are discussing electromagnetic induction.

Technician A says that the induced voltage can be
increased if the speed is increased between the conductor
and the magnetic lines of force. Technician B says that the
induced voltage can be increased by increasing the
strength of the magnetic field. Which technician is correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Technician A only
Technician B only


CHAPTER QUIZ
5.
Two technicians are discussing electromagnetic induction.

Technician A says that the induced voltage can be
increased if the speed is increased between the conductor
and the magnetic lines of force. Technician B says that the
induced voltage can be increased by increasing the
strength of the magnetic field. Which technician is correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Technician A only
Technician B only


CHAPTER QUIZ
6. An ignition coil operates using the principle of
_____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Electromagnetic induction
Self-induction
Mutual induction
All of the above


CHAPTER QUIZ
6. An ignition coil operates using the principle of
_____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Electromagnetic induction
Self-induction
Mutual induction
All of the above


CHAPTER QUIZ
7. Electromagnetic interference can be reduced by
using a _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Resistance
Capacitor
Coil
All of the above


CHAPTER QUIZ
7. Electromagnetic interference can be reduced by
using a _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Resistance
Capacitor
Coil
All of the above


CHAPTER QUIZ
8. An ignition coil is an example of a _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Solenoid
Step-down transformer
Step-up transformer
Relay


CHAPTER QUIZ
8. An ignition coil is an example of a _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Solenoid
Step-down transformer
Step-up transformer
Relay


CHAPTER QUIZ
9. Magnetic field strength is measured in _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Ampere-turns
Flux
Density
Coil strength


CHAPTER QUIZ
9. Magnetic field strength is measured in _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Ampere-turns
Flux
Density
Coil strength


CHAPTER QUIZ
10. Two technicians are discussing ignition coils. Technician A
says that some ignition coils have the primary and
secondary windings electrically connected. Technician B
says that some coils have totally separate primary and
secondary windings that are not electrically connected.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Technician A only
Technician B only


CHAPTER QUIZ
10. Two technicians are discussing ignition coils. Technician A
says that some ignition coils have the primary and
secondary windings electrically connected. Technician B
says that some coils have totally separate primary and
secondary windings that are not electrically connected.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Technician A only
Technician B only


END



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OBJECTIVES

After studying Chapter 13, the reader should be able to:

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-1 A freely suspended

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

A CRACKED MAGNET BECOMES TWO MAGNETS

FIGURE 13-2 If a magnet breaks or is

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-3 Magnetic lines of force

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-4 Iron filings on a compass can be

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-5 Magnetic poles behave like electrically charged

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-6 A magnetic field surrounds a

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-7 The left-hand rule for magnetic field direction

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-8 The right-hand rule for

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-9 Conductors with opposing magnetic fields

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-10 Electric motors use the

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-11 The magnetic lines of flux

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-12 The left-hand rule for coils is shown.

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-13 An iron core concentrates the

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-14 An electromagnetic relay.

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,

2010 Pearson Higher Education, Inc.

FIGURE 13-15 In this electromagnetic switch, a light

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical,