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ASVAB · Engine Basics and the Four-Stroke Cycle

What is the function of the alternator in a vehicle?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Charges the battery and powers electrical systems while running

  1. A Starts the engine
  2. B Charges the battery and powers electrical systems while running
  3. C Controls the transmission
  4. D Regulates fuel injection

Why this is the answer

The alternator converts mechanical energy (from the engine belt) into electrical energy, charging the battery and supplying power to vehicle electronics while the engine runs.
Source: ASVAB AI, Electrical Systems

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About this topic: Engine Basics and the Four-Stroke Cycle

Engine basics cover the four-stroke cycle (intake, compression, power, exhaust), the parts that make it happen — pistons, valves, crankshaft, camshaft — and the terms used to describe engines, such as displacement and compression ratio. This is one of 21 Auto Information questions on engine basics and the four-stroke cycle, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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