Starting System: Description and Operation

STARTING SYSTEM

The starting system consists of the following:
- Starter motor
- Starter motor relay
- Transmission range (TR) sensor (automatic transaxle)
- Clutch cutoff switch (manual transaxle)
- Battery
- Ignition switch
- PCM
- Start diode

When the starter solenoid is energized, a magnetic field is created in the starter solenoid windings. The iron plunger core is drawn into the starter solenoid coil, and a drive lever and pin connected to the starter drive engages the drive pinion gear to the flywheel ring gear. When the plunger is pulled all the way in, its contact disc closes the circuit between the battery and the motor feed terminals. This sends current to the motor, and the drive pinion gear cranks the flywheel to start the engine. When current flows to the starter motor, the starter solenoid pull-in coil is bypassed, and the hold-in coil keeps the drive pinion gear engaged with the flywheel.

This vehicle has one-touch integrated start (OTIS), a computer-assisted cranking system. This feature assists in starting the engine. If the ignition key is turned to the START position and released when the engine begins cranking, the engine may continue cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.

An overrunning clutch in the starter drive protects the starter motor from excessive speeds during the brief period before the driver releases the ignition switch from the START position as the engine starts.

Vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle have a clutch cutoff switch mounted on the clutch pedal bracket. The clutch cutoff switch prevents operation of the starter motor unless the clutch is fully depressed.

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle have a TR sensor mounted on the transaxle. The TR sensor prevents operation of the starter motor unless NEUTRAL or PARK is selected.

Principles of Operation

Starting System - 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.