Description & Operation

WARNING: Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before attempting any repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.

When ignition switch is turned to START position, battery voltage is applied to Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch for Automatic Transmission (A/T) or Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch for Manual Transmission (M/T). When shift lever is in Park or Neutral position (A/T) or clutch pedal is depressed (M/T), current is applied to coil of starter relay, energizing starter relay. Starter relay is permanently grounded at ground connection, located on right front side of engine block below generator (2.2L) or on rear of right cylinder head (4.3L). When starter relay is energized, current passes on to starter solenoid "S" terminal. This causes solenoid plunger to move shift lever, which engages pinion with engine flywheel ring gear. Movement of plunger also closes main solenoid contacts, applying battery voltage to starter motor. See Fig 1 .

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

Fig 1: Typical Cranking Circuit Illustration

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

STARTER APPLICATION

Engine

⁽¹⁾ VIN

Starter

2.2L (4-Cyl)

PG-260F

4.3L (V6)

PG-260G

⁽¹⁾	Eighth character of Vehicle Identification Number.