When the starter solenoid is energized, a magnetic field is created in the starter solenoid windings. The iron plunger core is drawn into the starter solenoid coil, and a drive lever and pin connected to the starter drive engages the drive pinion gear to the flywheel ring gear. When the plunger is pulled all the way in, its contact disc closes the circuit between the battery and the motor feed terminals. This sends current to the motor, and the drive pinion gear cranks the flywheel to start the engine. When current flows to the starter motor, the starter solenoid pull-in coil is bypassed, and the hold-in coil keeps the drive pinion gear engaged with the flywheel until the ignition switch is released from the START position.
An overrunning clutch in the starter drive protects the starter motor from excessive speeds during the brief period before the driver releases the ignition switch from the START position as the engine starts.
The Starter Clutch Pedal Position (SCPP) switch is mounted on the clutch pedal bracket. The SCPP switch prevents the engine from being started.
When the clutch pedal is fully depressed, the SCPP switch closes and allows power to the starter solenoid.
The Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch is mounted on the side of the manual transaxle. The PNP switch sends a signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when the manual transaxle is in NEUTRAL. The PCM uses this input for idle speed control.
