Description & Operation
When ignition switch is turned to START position, battery voltage is applied to normally open contacts of starter relay. Battery voltage is also applied to starter relay coil through Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch (automatic transaxle) when shift lever is in Park or Neutral or Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch (manual transaxle) when clutch pedal is depressed. When voltage is applied to solenoid windings, this creates movement of solenoid plunger and shift lever, causing drive pinion to engage flywheel and close solenoid switch contacts. See Fig 1 . When solenoid switch contacts close, starter motor energizes and cranks the engine. As engine starts, pinion overrun clutch protects armature from excessive speed until ignition switch is opened and plunger return spring disengages pinion.