Normal Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The starting system sequence of operation is as follows:

The ignition switch is turned to the START position.
The starter relay is activated.
Voltage is then provided to the starter solenoid.
The starter solenoid engages the drive pinion to the ring gear.
The starter solenoid switches the battery current to the starter motor.
The system remains engaged until the ignition switch is released.