Description & Operation

The Motorcraft positive engagement starter motor is used on all gasoline engine vehicles. The starter system includes a starter (ignition) switch, starter relay, neutral start switch (A/T) or clutch interlock switch (M/T), battery and heavy circuit wiring.

When the ignition switch is turned to the START position, the starter relay is actuated through the starter control circuit. This connects the starter motor to battery, permitting current to flow through the grounded field coil, actuating a movable pole shoe. See Fig 1. The pole shoe forces the starter drive plunger lever to engage the starter and flywheel gears.

Fig 1: Starter System Circuit Electrical Schematic

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.