When the ignition switch is turned to the START position, the battery voltage is applied to the starter motor solenoid, and both of the starter motor solenoid windings are energized. The pull-in windings work together magnetically in order to pull in and hold the plunger. The plunger then moves the shift lever. This action causes the starter drive to rotate as it engages with the flywheel on the engine. At the same time, the plunger also closes the starter motor solenoid switch contacts. Full battery voltage is applied directly to the starter motor, which in turn cranks the engine.

As soon as the contacts close, the voltage is no longer applied through the pull-in windings, since the battery voltage is applied to both ends of the windings. The hold-in winding remains energized, and the magnetic field is strong enough to hold the plunger, the shift lever, and the starter drive contacts in place in order to continue cranking the engine.

When the ignition switch is moved from the START position, the battery voltage is removed from the starter motor solenoid and the junction of the windings. Voltage is applied from the contacts through both windings in order to ground at the end of the hold-in windings. However, the voltage applied to the pull-in winding is now opposing the voltage applied when the winding was first energized. The magnetic fields of the pull-in and hold-in windings now oppose each other. The return spring then causes the starter drive to disengage and the contacts to open simultaneously. As soon as the contacts open, the starter circuit is turned off.