Description & Operation

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before attempting any repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.

CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.

Two types of starter motors are utilized depending on transaxle usage, automatic or manual.

Models equipped with manual transaxle utilize a conventional 12-volt starter using an overrunning clutch-pinion drive. Models equipped with automatic transaxle utilize a solenoid-actuated 12-volt gear reduction type starter using an overrunning clutch-pinion drive. When starter is energized, starter solenoid engages starter pinion drive to flywheel ring gear. When engine starts, drive assembly is designed to overrun and protect armature from excessive speed until ignition switch is released from START position. With ignition switch released, voltage is removed from solenoid and windings de-energize. When solenoid de-energizes, return spring forces contacts open, breaking circuit between battery and solenoid, and drive disengages.

Models equipped with manual transaxle utilize a Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch incorporated within starter circuit to prevent starter operation with clutch pedal released, allowing starter operation only when clutch pedal is depressed. Models equipped with automatic transaxle utilize a Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch (also called a transmission range switch) incorporated within starter circuit to allow starter operation only when vehicle is in Park or Neutral.