Starting System: Description and Operation

OPERATION

Voltage is present at the Ignition Switch contacts at all time. Voltage is present at the Starter Relay and Starter Motor/Solenoid contacts at all times.

With the Ignition Switch in "START" and the Manual Lever Position (MLP) Switch in "PARK" or "NEUTRAL", current flows through the Ignition Switch, the Manual Lever Position (MLP) Switch and the Starter Relay to ground. The Starter Relay coil is energized and its contacts close.

Current now flows from the Battery to the Starter Motor/Solenoid pull-in and hold coils, and both coils are energized. The starter drive gear is pushed forward to mesh with the engine flywheel and, at the same time, the Starter Motor/Solenoid contacts close.

Current flows from the Battery to the Starter Motor to crank the engine. As soon as the Starter Motor/Solenoid contacts close, voltage is present at both ends of the Starter Motor/Solenoid pull-in coil and the coil de-energizes. The hold coil remains energized and is powerful enough to keep the starter driver gear in contact with the engine flywheel.