Starting System: Description and Operation

Voltage is applied at all times from the positive battery terminal to the ignition switch and the normally open starter solenoid contacts. When you turn the ignition switch to START; voltage is applied to the open contacts of the starter cut relay and through the coil of the starter cut relay to the clutch interlock switch (manual transmission) or neutral position switch (automatic transmission). With the clutch pedal pushed in (manual transmission) or the Air gear position switch in park or neutral (automatic transmission), voltage is applied to the security control unit starter relay request terminal. The security control unit then grounds the coil of the starter cut relay. The energized starter cut relay applies voltage to the starter solenoid coil. This energizes the starter solenoid which applies battery voltage to the starter motor. The starter motor then engages the flywheel (ring gear) to start the engine.