Battery supplies voltage to ignition switch (through UHFB) and starter morot at all times. When ignition switch is in START position, current travels to starter solenoid on circuit 5 (clutch start switch on manual trans.) or circuit 6 (transaxle range switch on auto. trans.). Solenoid simultaneously connects battery voltage to starter motor and engages starter drive gear with flywheel to rotate engine crankshaft. Solenoid spring simultaneously disengages starter drive gear and removes voltage from starter motor when ignition switch returns to RUN position.

Battery supplies voltage to generator at all times. During engine start-up I/P cluster performs a bulb check by illuminating charge telltale for three seconds. ECM (L81) / PCM (L61) supplies 5 volts (L61) or 12 volts (L81) to generator L-terminal to initiate charging. Charging voltage from generator passes through fusible link to starter and then to battery.

The fusible link is a one-time protection device that melts to create an open when a circuit is over amperage. Link is usually four wire-sizes smaller, even though it appears larger than the wiring is protects. Wiring between generator and starter contains a fusible link.