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In most common starting systems for gas (and, for that matter, diesel) powered vehicles, when the ignition switch is turned to the "start" position, several things happen. The combination ignition/start switch has multiple contacts: some allow electrical power to go to various accessories, some provide power to the ignition system, and others allow power to flow to the starter system.

The switch itself does no carry the high current necessary to power the starter motor. Instead, it typically will allow power to flow to a "starter relay", which is a kind of electrical switch. The electricity from the switch energizes a relatively small electromagnet which is used to operate a much larger set of contacts. These larger contacts then carry the high power used to operate the starter motor itself.

Of course, newer cars are somewhat more complex. In most newer cars, the start logic is controlled by the cars' computer, and the ignition switch is simply used to tell the computer that someone wants to start the engine. The computer looks at several different things, including the cars' security system (is the correct key or electronic fob being used?), but once it's satisfied, it then sends power to a starter relay, which then allows power to flow to the starter motor. (By the way, the various hybrid models are even more different, and should not be included in this description!)

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Q: What supplies power to a starter in an ignition system?
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