Starting System: Description and Operation

The Battery, Starter Motor, Starter Relay, and Ignition Switch make up the Starting System. On vehicles with automatic transaxles, the Back-Up/Neutral Start Switch must be closed (PARK or NEUTRAL) to operate the Starter Motor. On vehicles with manual transaxles, the Clutch Interlock Switch must be closed (clutch pedal depressed) to operate the Starter Motor.

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

On vehicles equipped with anti-theft, the Starting System is disabled if the alarm is triggered. When the alarm is activated, the Anti-theft Module prevents current from energizing the Starter Relay by means of an open circuit between the 33 (W/PK) and 32 (R/LB) wires, and the vehicle cannot be started.