The starter is mounted on top of the engine, next to the transmission housing.
When the ignition key is turned to the START position, the traction relay is turned on, which closes the power supply circuit of the starter electric motor. On the motor shaft there is a gear that engages with the ring gear of the flywheel. The electric motor starts to rotate and through the gearing turns the crankshaft of the engine.
On manual transmission models, the starter will only engage when the clutch pedal is depressed. On models with automatic transmission, the starter can only be engaged when the transmission selector is in the PARK or NEUTRAL positions.
Observe the following precautions when working on the starting system.
- A) Cranking the engine for a long time can cause the starter motor to overheat and cause a serious malfunction. Never keep the starter engaged for more than 15 seconds. Pause between starts for at least 3 minutes to allow the motor to cool down.
- b) The starter motor is connected directly to the battery when starting. If overloaded or short circuited, it may arc or ignite and cause a fire.
- V) Disconnect the negative cable from the battery before starting work on the starting system.