Starting System: Description and Operation

The starter system operates as follows:
- The function of the starting system is to crank the engine at a speed fast enough to permit the engine to start.
- Heavy cables, connectors and switches are used in the starter system because of the large current required by the starter while it is cranking the engine.
- The amount of resistance in the starter circuit must be kept to an absolute minimum to provide maximum current for starter motor operation.
- A discharged or damaged battery, loose or corroded connections, or partially broken cables will result in slower than normal cranking speeds, and may even prevent the starter motor from cranking the engine.
- In case of starter system trouble, the operator may have discharged the battery before calling for assistance.
- A road service procedure is presented to aid the service technician in such cases as starting trouble.
- Be sure to follow diagnosis procedures, in order to locate the cause of the starting difficulty.
- The starter system includes the permanent magnet gear-reduction starter motor with a solenoid-actuated drive, the battery, a remote control starter switch (part of the ignition switch), the Transmission Range sensor (TR sensor) or Clutch Pedal Position Switch (CPP) (depending upon transaxle application) and heavy circuit wiring.

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle have a Transmission Range (TR) sensor in the starter control circuit, which prevents operation of the starter motor unless the gearshift lever is in the NEUTRAL or PARK position.

Vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle have a clutch pedal position switch in the starter control circuit, which prevents operation of the starter motor unless the clutch pedal is in the applied position.

Sequence Operation
1. The ignition switch is turned to the START position.
2. Voltage is provided to the starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is energized through the starter relay. A magnetic field is created in the solenoid coil.
3. The iron plunger core is drawn into the solenoid coil.
4. A lever connected to the starter drive engages the drive pinion gear to the flywheel ring gear.
5. When the iron plunger core is all the way into the coil, its contact disc closes the circuit between the battery and the motor terminals.
6. The current flows to the motor, and the drive pinion gear cranks the flywheel and the engine crankshaft.
7. As current flows to the motor, the solenoid pull-in coil is bypassed.
8. The hold-in coil keeps the drive pinion gear engaged with the flywheel.
9. The starter drive gear remains engaged until the ignition switch is released from the START position.
An overrunning clutch in the starter drive protects the starter from excessive speeds during the brief period before the driver releases the ignition switch from the START position (as the engine starts).