Starting System: Description and Operation

The Battery, Starter Motor, Starter Relay and Ignition Switch make up the Starting System. On vehicles with automatic transmissions, the Backup/Neutral Start Switch must be closed (PARK or NEUTRAL) to operate the Starter Motor.

Turning the Ignition Switch to START sends current through the Starter Relay coil and operates the Relay. Current from the Battery then flows directly through the Starter Relay to the Starter Motor to start the engine.

When the Ignition Switch is in the START position, battery voltage is applied to the START (circuit 32) terminal of the Thick Film Integrated (TFI) Ignition Module. When the Ignition Switch is released to the RUN position, the voltage on circuit 32 drops to zero.