The PG starter motors are non-repairable motors. They have pole pieces that are arranged around the armature. Both solenoid windings are energized. The pull-in winding circuit is completed to the ground through the starter motor. The windings work together magnetically to pull and hold in the plunger. The plunger moves the shift lever. This action causes the starter drive assembly to rotate on the armature shaft spline as it engages with the flywheel ring gear on the engine. Moving at the same time, the plunger also closes the solenoid switch contacts in the starter solenoid. Full battery voltage is applied directly to the starter motor and it cranks the engine.

As soon as the solenoid switch contacts close, current stops flowing thorough the pull-in winding because battery voltage is applied to both ends of the windings. The hold-in winding remains energized; its magnetic field is strong enough to hold the plunger, shift lever, starter drive assembly, and solenoid switch contacts in place to continue cranking the engine. When the engine starts, pinion overrun protects the armature from excessive speed until the switch is opened.

When the ignition switch is released from the START position, the START relay opens and battery voltage is removed from the starter solenoid S terminal. Current flows from the motor contacts through both windings to the ground at the end of the hold-in winding. However, the direction of the current flow through the pull-in winding is now opposite the direction of the current flow when the winding was first energized.

The magnetic fields of the pull-in and hold-in windings now oppose one another. This action of the windings, along with the help of the return spring, causes the starter drive assembly to disengage and the solenoid switch contacts to open simultaneously. As soon as the contacts open, the starter circuit is turned OFF.

For ignition switch power modes refer to Body Control System Description and Operation . Once the ignition is placed in the Run/Crank position, the control circuit of the Run/Crank relay is grounded by the body control module (BCM). With the Run/Crank relay switch closed, battery positive voltage flows through it and on to the park/neutral position (PNP) switch. With the PNP switch in either the Park or Neutral position, battery positive voltage will flow to the Starter relay coil supply voltage input terminal of the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) and the coil side of the starter relay. Placing the ignition in the START position sends a message to the ECM/PCM requesting engine start. If the ECM/PCM has determined that the transmission is in Park or Neutral and theft is not active, it will ground the control circuit of the starter relay. Battery positive voltage will then flow through the switch side of the starter relay to the S terminal of the starter solenoid, cranking the engine. For remote vehicle start (RVS) information, refer to Keyless Entry System Description and Operation .