Description & Operation

NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, information in this article applies to both Escort and ZX2. Escort may be referred to as Sedan and ZX2 may be referred to as Coupe.

The starter assembly includes an internal gear-reduction motor and an externally-mounted solenoid. Starting system consists of starter assembly, battery, ignition switch, Clutch Start Switch (CSS) on Manual Transmission (M/T), or CSS jumper and Transmission Range (TR) sensor on Automatic Transmission (A/T), and interconnecting cables and wires. CSS may also be referred to as Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) or Starter Clutch Pedal Position (SCPP) switch.

With clutch pedal fully depressed (M/T) or gear selector in Neutral or Park (A/T), when ignition switch is turned to START position, current flows through CSS (M/T), or TR sensor (A/T), MAIN fuse (100-amp) in battery junction box and solenoid to starter assembly ground. See WIRING DIAGRAMS . Starter solenoid hold and pull-in windings are energized to close starter motor contacts. Current then flows from positive battery terminal to starter motor, and starter motor runs to crank engine.