One traditional solution to start an internal combustion engine is the starter motor. Since its conception little was changed in its operational dynamics, even after passing by several design optimization processes. This fact elapses from the absence of application of an analysis tool capable to express the existing relations between its subgroups and the functions that these play. The main goal of the present work is to get a complete mapping of all the functions, components and flows of information and energy, through the application of an existing methodology of analysis, known for "function structure technique", on the described product. Therefore, this mapping will supply a better understanding of the product architecture. First of all, the composed system for the starter motor is divided hierarchically in subsystems according to the existing assemblies. The operation chain is then separated through static and dynamic inspections during its use in the combustion engine. This chain will supply enough knowledge to establish the general functions of the starters. After that, the function structure is divided in two phases: an intermediate level, for partial functions, and a deeper one, with the elementary functions, which is accomplished from physical processes analysis in the mechanisms of the starter. The achieved results will make possible a systematic change in the concept of the product in order to make possible a functional optimization. Copyright © 2008 SAE International. Alternators and Starter Motors (2003) The Bosch Yellow Jackets, , BOSCH Group, editionPahl, G., Beitz, W., Feldhusen, J., Grote, K.-H., (2005) Desing in Engineering, , Edgard Blücher Publishing companyFranke, H.-J., Deimel, M., Selecting and Combining Methods for Complex Problem Solving within the Design Process (2004) International Design Conference, , Dubrovnik, May 18-21Shan, H.-B., Liu, J.-H., Function-and Graph-based Product Principle Structure Modeling and Optimization Method for Conceptual Design (2004) Journal of the Chinese Institute of Industrial Engineers, 21 (5), pp. 484-493El-Haik, (2005) Axiomatic Quality: Integrating Axiomatic Design with Six-Sigma, Reliability, and Quality Engineering Basem, p. 312Scalice, R.K., Forcellini, F., Back, N., New Contributions to the Design of Modular Products-Proposal of a Methodological Approach (2001) Brazilian Congress of Engineering Mechanics, , 16o. Uberlândia. Annals of XVI COBEM, 2001Zhao, Z., Summers, J.D., Vargas-Hernández, N., Shah, J.J., Lacroix, Z., Comparative Study of Representation Structures for Modeling Function and Behavior of Mechanical Devices (2001) ASME 2001 Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 9-12Pahl, G., Beitz, W., (1996) Engineering Design: A Systematic Approach, , edited by Wallace, K. 2nd ed. Springer-VerlagKarnopp, D., Margolis, D., Rosemberg, R., (2000) System Dynamics, Modeling and Simulation of Mechanical Systems, , 3rd Ed. John Wiley & Sons, New YorkCarazzato, M., Project of Automotives Components based on Modularity (2008) Engineering Mechanics, , Master degree thesis)-State University of CampinasAmaral, D., Methodology, Systematization and Election of Projects of Epicicloidais Transmissions with One and Two on TEPS (2000) Engineering Mechanics, , PhD Thesis)-State University of Campinas, Coordination of Perfectioning of Staff of Superior Level