General information about the engine starting system and precautions

The sole function of the starting system is to crank the engine fast enough to start.

The starting system consists of a battery, a starter, a starter traction relay, an ignition switch and wires. The traction relay is installed directly on the starter. The starter/traction relay assembly is mounted on the bottom of the engine, next to the clutch housing.

When the ignition key is turned to position «START» (launch), then the starter traction relay is switched on through the starter control circuit. Next, the starter traction relay connects the battery to the starter and brings the starter drive gear into engagement with the flywheel gear rim. The battery provides electrical energy to the starter motor, which turns the engine over.

On some manual transmission models, the starter will only engage when the clutch pedal is depressed. On vehicles with automatic transmission, the starter is engaged only when the transmission shift lever is in position «P» (parking) or «N» (neutral).

Always disconnect the negative battery cable when working on the engine starting system.