Starting System: Description and Operation

Voltage is presend at the Ignition Switch contacts at all times. Voltage is present at the Starter Motor/Solenoid contacts at all times.

Vehicles Without Anti-Theft System


With the Ignition Switch in START and the Manual Lever Position Sensor contacts closed, current flows through the Ignition Switch and the Manual Lever Position Sensor to the Starter Motor/Solenoid. Current flows from the Battery to the Starter Motor/Solenoid pull-in and hold coils, and both coils are energized. The starter drive gear is pushed forward to mesh with the engine flywheel, and, at the same time, the Starter Motor/Solenoid contacts close.

Current flows from the Battery to the Starter Motor to crank the engine. As soon as the Starter Motor/Solenoid contacts close, voltage is present at both ends of the Starter Motor/Solenoid pull-in coil so the coil is deenergized. The hold coil remains energized and is powerful enough to keep the starter drive gear in contact with the engine flywheel.

Vehicles Equipped With Anti-Theft System

Starting System operation for Anti-theft System-equipped vehicles is almost the same as for non-Anti-theft vehicles. The difference is that the START signal from the Ignition Switch must pass through the Start Interrupt Relay. If the Anti-theft Module will provide a ground to the Start Interrupt Relay, which then energizes the coil, thus removing voltage to the Ignition Switch (84). The car will not start until the Anti-theft Module is deactivated.

All Vehicles

With the Ignition Switch in START, a START signal is provided to the Memory Seat Module and the Antenna Module.