Description & Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville, 1998 Oldsmobile Regency, 1998 Oldsmobile LSS, 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, and 1998 Buick LeSabre. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All models are equipped with Delco-Remy starters. When the ignition switch is turned to the START position, the Delco-Remy starter solenoid windings are energized. This causes the solenoid plunger to move the shift lever, which engages the pinion with the engine flywheel ring gear. The movement of the plunger also closes the main solenoid contacts, applying battery voltage to the starter motor. See Fig 1 .

When the engine starts, the pinion will overrun, protecting the armature from excessive speed and the flywheel from damage. When the ignition switch is released, the plunger return spring disengages the pinion.

Starters with the PG designation have a pinion that is driven by a gear reduction system. These starters are easily identified by 3 Torx bolts that retain the solenoid and should not be dissembled for any reason. They are serviceable only by complete replacement.

Fig 1: Illustrating Typical Cranking Circuit

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.