Diagnoses and repairs electrical and comfort control systems

Why that is right

In a series circuit the total resistance is the sum of the resistors: 3 Ohm + 3 Ohm = 6 Ohm. Total current is I = V / RT = 12 V / 6 Ohm = 2 A, and because series current is identical at every point, an ammeter reads 2 A.

Why the other options are wrong

• 4 A — 4 A results from using only one 3 Ohm resistor (12 V / 3 Ohm); it ignores the second resistor that is in series and adds to total resistance.
• 3 A — 3 A does not match any valid calculation for this circuit; it is a miscalculation that overstates the current for a 6 Ohm total.
• 0 A — 0 A would indicate an open circuit with no current path; this circuit is complete, so current does flow.

Why that is right

The starter drive is a mechanical moving component capable of making this noise. A defective solenoid and an open pull-in winding will not make this type of noise and a noise at an armature commutator is not very common.

Why the other options are wrong

• Defective solenoid — A defective solenoid typically produces a single click, chatter, or a no-crank condition rather than a whining noise while engaged. It controls engagement and the main circuit, not the meshing action that causes whine.
• Open pull-in winding — An open pull-in winding prevents the solenoid from pulling the drive into mesh, causing a click or failure to engage, not a whine during engagement. If the drive never engages, it cannot make the described spinning/whining noise.
• Worn armature commutator — A worn commutator affects the electrical contact of the armature and would more likely cause arcing, reduced power, or intermittent operation. Commutator wear as a source of whine while engaged is uncommon and is not the typical cause.