Starter Motor Relay: Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Viper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
As battery power is applied to the relay from the ignition switch, battery power is applied to the starter motor through the relay to the starter solenoid.
The starter relay ground is provided by the PCM's double start override output. When the clutch interlock switch (clutch pedal mounted) and start button switch contacts are closed, the PCM will supply the ground path for the starter relay at key ON. This will occur if the engine RPM is below 400 RPM.