DESCRIPTION
| WARNING | Vehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before attempting any repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, see DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. |
| CAUTION | When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery. |
Tracker uses a solenoid-actuated gear reduction type starter. Starter is equipped with overrunning clutch/drive assembly. Brush holder assembly contains 4 brushes and springs in commutator end of starter housing. Integral starter solenoid is attached to drive housing. Models equipped with automatic transaxle utilize a Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch (also called a transmission range switch) incorporated within starter circuit to allow starter operation only when vehicle is in Park or Neutral. Models equipped with manual transaxle utilize a Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch incorporated within starter circuit to prevent starter operation with clutch pedal released, allowing starter operation only when clutch pedal is depressed.
OPERATION
Starter solenoid windings are energized when ignition switch is turned to START position and CPP switch (M/T) or PNP switch (A/T) is closed. Resulting plunger and shift lever movement causes drive pinion to engage engine flywheel ring gear and starter solenoid contacts to close. With contacts closed, starter solenoid provides closed circuit between positive battery terminal and starter motor. Circuit is complete and cranking occurs as soon as starter solenoid contacts are closed. Starter motor is permanently grounded to engine block. When engine starts, clutch and drive assembly is designed to overrun and protect armature from excessive speed until ignition switch is released from START position. After ignition switch is released from start position, return spring in solenoid assembly forces starter solenoid contacts open, breaking circuit between battery and starter motor, and disengaging clutch and drive assembly. Ignition switch should be released immediately upon engine start-up to prevent prolonged overrun.