The cranking circuit consists of the following components:

Vehicles that are equipped with automatic transmissions have a neutral start switch in the circuit.

Some vehicles are equipped with electronically-controlled automatic transmissions. Electronically-controlled automatic transmission vehicles do not have a separate neutral start switch in the cranking circuit. The switch is built into the Vehicle Interface Module (VIM).

Refer to component location.

Refer to Starting System Circuit Description for a detailed circuit description.

The starter is a reduction gear drive model with a direct acting solenoid. The solenoid works through the overrunning clutch. The gear housing and the armature end bearing housing are aluminum. The bearings on the armature are sealed ball bearings. The brush assembly brushes are replaceable. The ball bearings on the clutch assembly are serviced as part of the entire clutch assembly. The commutator bars are mica insulated and are undercut.

The shift lever mechanism and the solenoid plunger are within the drive housing. The drive housing protects the shift lever mechanism and the solenoid plunger from exposure to the following conditions:

The solenoid operates when the engine control switch is turned to the START position (the automatic transmission is in neutral). When the solenoid energizes the main contacts close, completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the starter motor. Energizing the solenoid also shifts the plunger and the shift lever. The pinion gear then engages in order to mesh with the engine flywheel ring. Engine cranking then takes place.

The pinion overriding clutch protects the armature from excessive speed when the engine starts. Releasing the engine control switch enables the following actions:

Release the key immediately after engine starts in order to prevent damage to the starter.