Functional Description - Starter Motor

The standard starter motor incorporates the starter solenoid. It consists of a Direct Current (DC) motor powered by the battery and an electromagnet exciter. The starter is engaged when the Body Control Module (BCM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) energize the starter relays connected in series in the Power Distribution Center.

Vehicles equipped with an Engine Stop/Start (ESS) system that utilizes the starter motor for ESS auto-starts are equipped with a heavy duty starter. The starter motor has increased life brushes, needle bearings, pre-loaded pinion gear spring and other changes to enhance longevity and improve Noise, Vibration, Harshness (NVH). The starter also has increased power to compensate for brush losses, and to increase cranking speed. The heavy duty starter is not required on vehicles that use the eTorque system for ESS cranking.