Moving the ignition switch to the START position and the gear selector lever to PARK or NEUTRAL position applies battery voltage to the starter solenoid.

Both solenoid windings are energized. The pull-in winding circuit is completed to ground through the starter motor. The windings work together magnetically in order to pull and hold in the plunger. The plunger moves the shift lever. This action causes the starter drive assembly to rotate and engage with the flywheel ring gear on the engine. Rotating at the same time, the plunger also closes the solenoid switch contacts in the starter solenoid. Full battery voltage is applied directly to the starter motor. The starter motor cranks the engine.

As soon as the solenoid switch contacts close, current stops flowing thorough the pull-in winding because battery voltage is applied to both ends of the windings. The hold-in winding remains energized. The magnetic field is strong enough in order to hold the plunger, the shift lever, and the starter drive assembly solenoid switch contacts in place and continue cranking the engine.

When the ignition switch is released from the start position, battery voltage is removed from the PPL wire and the junction of the 2 windings. Current flows from the motor contacts through both windings to ground at the end of the hold-in winding. The direction of the current flow through the pull-in winding is now opposite the direction of the current flow when the winding was first energized.

The magnetic fields of the pull-in and hold-in windings now oppose one another. This action of the windings, along with the help of the return spring, causes the starter drive assembly to disengage and the solenoid switch contacts to open simultaneously. As soon as the contacts open, the starter circuit is turned off.