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 Safety Switch must be closed (PARK or NEUTRAL) to operate the Starter Motor. On vehicles with manual transmissions, the Clutch Interrupt Switch must be closed (clutch fully depressed) to operate the Starter Motor.

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