Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Starting System: Description and Operation

STARTING SYSTEM

Starter Motor
The starter motor:
- is a permanent-magnet, direct drive, 12V dc motor.
- has an integral starter solenoid.

Starter Relay
The starter relay:
- is a mini ISO relay that switches power to the starter solenoid to engage the starter motor.
- receives a START signal from the ignition switch.

Starter System - Operation
When the ignition switch is turned to the START position the starter relay switches power to the starter solenoid causing the starter motor to engage as long as:
- the digital transmission range (TR) sensor is in PARK or NEUTRAL.
- the anti-theft system is operational.

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

Anti-Theft Intervention
The starting system is electronically controlled by the passive anti-theft system (PATS). The PATS recognizes the correct electronically coded ignition key and signals the instrument cluster to provide a ground for the starter relay. The energized relay provides voltage to the starter solenoid, thereby allowing the starter motor to activate.