Description & Operation

The starting system includes the battery, starter motor, solenoid switch, ignition switch, inhibitor switch (A/T only), connection wires and the battery cables.

When ignition switch is in START position, current flows and energizes the starter motor's solenoid coil. The solenoid plunger and clutch shift lever are activated and the clutch pinion engages the ring gear. The contacts close and the starter motor cranks.

In order to prevent damage caused by excessive rotation of the starter armature when the engine starts, the clutch pinion gear overruns.

On automatic transaxle vehicles, battery voltage is applied at all times from the positive battery terminal to the ignition switch and the normally open start relay contacts. When ignition switch is turned to START position, transaxle range switch is in the P/N position and burglar alarm relay contacts are closed by the Electronic Time and Alarm Control Module (ETACM), battery voltage is applied to the start relay coils. The start relay coils energize, start relay contacts close, and battery voltage is applied to the start motor. The motor engages to start the engine.

On manual transaxle vehicles, battery voltage is applied at all times from the positive battery terminal to the ignition switch and the normally open start relay contacts. When ignition switch is turned to START, the starter clutch pedal position switch is closed, and burglar alarm relay contacts are closed by the Electronic Time and Alarm Control Module (ETACM), battery voltage is applied to the start relay coils. The start relay coils energize, the start relay contacts close, and battery voltage is applied to the start motor. The motor engages to start the engine.