Starting System: Description and Operation

Voltage is applied at all times from the positive battery terminal to the ignition switch and the normally open starter solenoid contacts. When the ignition switch is turned to START voltage is applied to the open contacts of the starter cut relay and through the coil of the starter cut relay to the clutch interlock switch (manual transmission) or neutral position switch (automatic transmission). With the clutch pedal depressed (manual transmission) or the A/T gear position switch in park or neutral (automatic transmission), voltage is applied to the security control unit starter relay request terminal. The security control unit then grounds the coil of the starter cut relay. The energized starter cut relay applies voltage to the starter solenoid coil. The starter solenoid is energized and applies battery voltage to the starter motor. The starter motor engages the flywheel (ring gear) to start the engine.