Starting System: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT and 2007 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The starting system consists of the following:

Starter motor
Starter solenoid
Starter motor relay
Starter drive
Battery
Digital transmission range (TR) sensor (automatic transmission)
Clutch pedal position (CPP) switch (manual transmission)
Ignition switch
Powertrain control module (PCM)
One-touch integrated start (OTIS) diode (Late built vehicles)

The function of the starting system is to crank the engine at a speed fast enough to permit the engine to start. 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 flexplate/flywheel ring gear. When the plunger is pulled all the way in, the 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 flexplate/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 flexplate/flywheel.

Automatic transmissions have a digital transmission range (TR) sensor mounted on the transmission. The TR sensor prevents operation of the starter motor unless NEUTRAL or PARK is selected.

Manual transmission have a clutch pedal position (CPP) switch. The CCP switch prevents operation of the starter motor unless the clutch pedal is in the applied position which supplies a ground circuit to the powertrain control module (PCM).