Starting System - Normal Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 flexplate 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.

The starting system uses a digital TR sensor that recognizes the vehicle is in either PARK or NEUTRAL and the ignition switch is placed in the START position. It sends a signal to the mini ISO relay that, in turn, sends a voltage signal to the starter solenoid, which will engage the starter motor to crank the engine at a speed fast enough to permit the engine to start.