Description & Operation

Conventional direct drive type and gear reduction type of starters are used depending on vehicle or vehicle powertrain configurations. Both types of starters consist of front housing, overrunning clutch assembly, armature, yoke, starter solenoid, brush holder, rear housing and drive lever. A gear reduction type starter also contains a reduction drive gear assembly to apply increased torque and cranking power. Starting circuit is inhibited by either clutch start switch (M/T) or Transmission Range (TR) switch to prevent starter activation with transmission in gear.

When ignition is turned to START position, start command signal is sent through clutch start switch or TR switch to energize starter solenoid. When energized, starter solenoid is pulled in which extends drive pinion outward to engage with flywheel ring gear, closing solenoid switch main contacts. When main switch is closed, starter motor is energized to crank and start engine. When engine starts, overrunning clutch assembly protects armature from excessive speed until ignition switch is released to ON position, which removes start command signal from starter solenoid and opens the main switch. Return spring disengages drive pinion from flywheel and starter returns to rest position.