Voltage is available at all times from the IGN SW fuse through CKT 540 (ORN) to the ignition switch. When the ignition switch is held in the START position, battery voltage is applied on CKT 5 (YEL) to the park/neutral position (PNP) switch and to the dash integration module (DIM). The contacts in the PNP switch close when the automatic transaxle is in PARK or NEUTRAL. With the PNP switch contacts closed, battery voltage is applied to one side of each of the START 1 and the START 2 relay coils in the underhood junction block.

the opposite sides of the START 1 and the START 2 relay coils are wired via CKT 625 (YEL/BLK) to an output of the PASS-Key ®III theft deterrent module. When the PASS-Key ®III theft deterrent module grounds CKT 625 (YEL/BLK), the START relay coils energize and the relay contacts close. The START circuit breaker applies battery voltage on CKT 6 (PPL) to terminal S of the starter solenoid.

The starter solenoid has two coils or windings. The hold-in winding is grounded at the mounting bolts. The pull-in winding is grounded through the starter motor. Both windings are energized when voltage is initially supplied on CKT 6 (PPL). The combined force of these windings operates the solenoid plunger to move the shift lever mechanism. The movement of the shift lever mechanism engages the starter motor with the flywheel ring gear. This mechanical operation is described more completely in the description of the starter.

At the same time that the solenoid plunger is operated, contacts with the solenoid close. Battery positive voltage is available at all times to these contacts through the CKT 1 (RED) cables. These wires at terminal B of the solenoid are sized to handle the current flow needed to start the engine. The closing of the solenoid contacts applies battery voltage at rated current to the starter motor. The starter motor then operates to rotate or crank the engine.

The presence of this battery voltage applied directly to the starter motor through the solenoid switch contacts causes the solenoid pull-in winding to de-energize. Battery positive voltage is now available at both sides of this coil and no current flows. However, the hold-in winding remains energized until the ignition switch is released from the START position. When the engine starts, the driver releases the ignition switch and the ignition switch returns to the ON position. This removes the voltage from the hold-in winding and the solenoid plunger retracts. This, in turn, disengages the starter motor from the flywheel. At the same time, the solenoid contacts open. This removes battery voltage from the starter motor and the starter motor stops operating.