The PG-260 starter motor features small permanent magnets mounted inside the field frame and a planetary gear reduction mechanism between the armature and drive. A permanent magnet fear reduction motor is about half the weight and size of a field coil motor having the same cranking performance. The drive housing encloses the shift lever, the shift lever mechanism, and the solenoid plunger to protect them from exposure to dirt, icing conditions, and splash.

When the ignition switch is moved to the start position, a start request is sent to the PASS-Key® II module. If correct PASS-Key® II resistance is sensed and the vehicle is in PARK of NEUTRAL, then the PASS-Key® II module will energize the starter enable relay and output the PCM fuel enable signal. the starter enable relay will send battery voltage to the starter solenoid contacts. This will energize the solenoid windings and cause movement of the solenoid plunger and shift lever which causes the drive pinion to engage the engine flywheel ring gear and the solenoid switch contacts to close. When the solenoid switch contacts close, the starter motor is energized and cranking takes place. As the engine starts, the pinion overrun clutch protects the starter armature from excessive speed until the ignition switch is opened. Once the solenoid windings are de-energized, the return spring causes the pinion to disengage. To prevent excessive overrun, the ignition switch should be opened immediately when the engine starts.