Starting System: Notes

The starting system consists of the following components:

• Starter motor
• Starter switch (part of the ignition switch)
• Digital transmission range (TR) sensor (automatic transmission-equipped vehicles)
• Clutch pedal position (CPP) switch (manual transmission-equipped vehicles)
• Starter relay
• Starter solenoid
• Starter drive

The starter motor:

• is a permanent magnet, gear reduced, 12V DC motor.
• has an integral starter solenoid.
• has an overrunning clutch in the starter drive.

The starter relay:

• controls current to the starter solenoid.
• is engaged by the ignition switch.

The digital TR sensor on automatic transmission-equipped vehicles prevents starter motor engagement unless the transmission is in the NEUTRAL or PARK position.

The CPP switch on manual transmission-equipped vehicles prevents starter motor engagement unless the clutch pedal is pressed.

The starter drive:

• is operated by the starter solenoid.
• engages the flywheel to turn the engine.
• has an internal overrunning clutch to disengage the starter motor when the engine starts.

The starter solenoid:

• is an electromagnet.
• engages the starter drive to the flywheel.
• when energized, the contacts close, connecting the battery to the starter motor. This causes the starter motor to turn the starter drive.
• is kept in the energized condition by a hold-in winding until the ignition switch is released.

When the ignition switch is turned to the START position, the starter motor solenoid relay switch is energized connecting the battery to the starter solenoid. The starter solenoid moves the drive lever to engage the starter drive with the flywheel ring gear and connects the battery to the starter motor.