Starting System: Description and Operation

STARTING
The starting system has:
- Ignition switch
- Starter relay
- Clutch pedal mounted starter interlock switch
- Wiring harness
- Battery
- Starter motor with an integral solenoid

Fig. 1 Starting System Schematic:

These components form two separate circuits. A high amperage circuit that feeds the starter motor up to 300+ amps, and a control circuit that operates on less than 20 amps (Fig. 1).

STARTER MOTOR RELAY
The Starter Relay is an ISO (International Standards Organization) relay located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), positioned in the left side of the engine compartment.

As battery power is applied to the relay from the ignition switch, battery power is applied to the starter motor through the relay to the starter solenoid.

The starter relay ground is provided by the PCM. When the starter interlock (clutch pedal mounted) switch contacts are closed, the PCM will supply the ground path for the starter relay at key ON. This will occur if the engine RPM is below a predetermined value.

STARTER SOLENOID
The Starter Solenoid is mounted directly to the Starter Motor.

The Starter Solenoid is a switching device used to activate the high amperage starter motor circuit from a low amperage control circuit.