Starting System: Description and Operation

GENERAL INFORMATION
The starting system includes the battery, starter motor, solenoid switch, ignition switch, inhibitor switch (A/T only), connection wires and the battery cables.

When the ignition key is turned to the start position, current flows and energizes the starter motor's solenoid coil. The solenoid plunger and clutch shift lever are activated, and the clutch pinion engages the ring gear. The contacts close and the starter motor cranks.

In order to prevent damage caused by excessive rotation of the starter armature when the engine starts, the clutch pinion gear overruns.
Battery voltage is applied at all times from the positive battery terminal to the ignition switch and the normally open start relay contacts. When the ignition switch is turned to START and the transaxle range switch (automatic transaxle) in P/N position or starter clutch pedal position switch (Manual transaxle) is closed, battery voltage is applied through fuse 25 to the starter relay coils. The starter relay coils energize, the start relay contacts close, and battery voltage is applied to the starter solenoid. The motor engages to start the engine.