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Description & Operation

When ignition switch is turned to START position, battery voltage is applied to Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch. Shift lever must be in Park or Neutral for voltage to flow to starter solenoid start terminal. When voltage is applied to solenoid windings, this creates movement of solenoid plunger and shift lever, causing drive pinion to engage the flywheel and close solenoid switch contacts. See Fig 1 . When solenoid switch contacts close, starter motor energizes and cranks the engine. As engine starts, pinion overrun clutch protects armature from excessive speed until ignition switch is opened and plunger return spring disengages pinion.

Fig 1: Typical Cranking Circuit Illustration
G95H13471Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.