Description & Operation
When ignition switch is turned to START position, battery voltage is applied to Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch (A/T) or Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch (M/T). When shift lever is in Park or Neutral position (A/T) or clutch pedal is depressed (M/T), current is applied to coil of starter relay, energizing starter relay. Starter relay is permanently grounded at ground connection G102, located on right front side of engine block under generator (2.2L) or on rear of right cylinder head (4.3L). When starter relay is energized, current passes on to starter solenoid "S" terminal. This causes solenoid plunger to move shift lever, which engages pinion with engine flywheel ring gear. Movement of plunger also closes main solenoid contacts, applying battery voltage to starter motor. See Fig 1.
When engine starts, pinion will overrun, protecting armature from excessive speed and flywheel from damage. When ignition switch is released, plunger return spring disengages pinion.