The starter solenoid windings are energized when the ignition switch is turned to the START position and the clutch pedal position (CPP) switch (manual transaxle) or the park/neutral position (PNP) switch (automatic transaxle) is closed. The CPP switch (manual transaxle) provides voltage to the starter relay coil when the clutch pedal is depressed. The PNP switch (automatic transaxle) provides voltage to the starter relay coil when the manual selector lever is in the P or N position. The starter relay coil is permanently grounded through SP254 to G103. With the coil grounded and the ignition switch in START, the starter relay is energized and battery voltage is applied to the starter solenoid windings. The resulting plunger and pinion drive lever movement causes the drive pinion to engage the engine flywheel ring gear and the starter solenoid contacts to close.

With the contacts closed, the starter solenoid provides a closed circuit between the positive (+) battery terminal and the starter motor. Because the starter assembly is permanently grounded to the engine block, the circuit is complete and cranking occurs as soon as the starter solenoid contacts close. When the engine starts, the clutch and drive assembly is designed to overrun and protect the armature from excessive speed until the ignition switch is released from the START position. With the ignition switch released from the start position, voltage is removed from the starter solenoid, and the windings de-energize. When the starter solenoid de-energizes, the return spring in the solenoid assembly forces the starter solenoid contacts open, breaking the circuit between the battery and the starter motor, and disengaging the clutch and drive assembly.