Starting System: Description and Operation

STARTING SYSTEM
The starting system consists of the following components:
- starter motor
- starter switch, part of the ignition switch
- Transmission Range (TR) sensor (automatic transmission-equipped vehicles)
- Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch (manual transmission-equipped vehicles)
- starter motor solenoid relay switch
- starter solenoid starter drive







The starter motor:
- is a permanent magnet, gear reduction, 12 VDC motor.
- has an integral starter solenoid.
- has an overrunning clutch in the starter drive.







The starter motor relay:
- controls current to the starter solenoid.
- is engaged by the ignition switch.
- connects the battery to the starter motor. The TR sensor on automatic transmission-equipped vehicles prevents starter motor engagement unless the transmission is in the NEUTRAL or PARK position.







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, contacts close, connecting the battery to the starter motor and causing the starter motor to turn the starter drive.
- is kept in the energized condition by a hold-in winding until the starter switch is released.

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