Starting System: Operation

Engine crank requests are monitored by the passive anti-theft system and, if valid, passed on to the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Anti-Theft - Passive article.

When the engine control module (ECM) receives a crank request, it energizes the starter relay in the engine junction box (EJB). The energized starter relay supplies 12 V power to energize the pull-in coil of the starter solenoid. Once activated, the pull-in coil engages the solenoid plunger, which engages the pinion gear with the ring gear. The plunger then closes the solenoid circuit, feeding power from the 500 A megafuse on the battery positive terminal to the starter motor.