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Description & Operation

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before attempting any repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.

When ignition switch is turned to START position, battery voltage is applied to normally open contacts of starter relay. Battery voltage is also applied to starter relay coil through Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch (A/T) when shift lever is in Park or Neutral or Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch (M/T) when clutch pedal is depressed. When voltage is applied to solenoid windings, this creates movement of solenoid plunger and shift lever, causing drive pinion to engage flywheel and close solenoid switch contacts. See Fig 1 . When solenoid switch contacts close, starter motor energizes and cranks the engine. As engine starts, pinion overrun clutch protects armature from excessive speed until ignition switch is opened and plunger return spring disengages pinion.

Fig 1: Typical Cranking Circuit Illustration
G95H13471Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
STARTER APPLICATION

Engine (1) VIN Starter
3.8L K PG260 F2
5.7L G PG260 M
(1) Eighth character of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).