Starting System: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford RV Cutaway, 2009 Ford Econoline, 2009 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2009 Ford Cutaway. 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 drive
Starter motor relay
Battery
Digital Transmission Range (TR) sensor (4R75E transmission)
Ignition switch
PCM
Start diode, part of the One-Touch Integrated Start (OTIS) system

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 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 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.

The 4R75E automatic transmission has a digital TR sensor mounted on the transmission. The TR sensor prevents operation of the starter motor unless NEUTRAL or PARK is selected.

The TorqShift transmission has a Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch in the transmission. The PNP switch prevents operation of the starter motor unless PARK or NEUTRAL is selected.