When you move the ignition switch to the START position, battery voltage is applied to the starter. Both of the solenoid windings are energized. The circuit through the pull-in winding is completed to ground through the starter motor. The windings work together magnetically in order to pull in and hold the plunger. The plunger moves the shift lever. This action causes the starter drive assembly to rotate when the assembly engages with the flywheel ring gear on the engine. At the same time, the plunger closes the solenoid switch contacts in the starter solenoid. Full battery voltage is applied directly to the starter motor. This action cranks the engine.

When the solenoid switch contacts close, voltage is no longer applied through the pull-in windings. Battery voltage is applied to both ends of the windings. The hold-in winding remains energized. The magnetic field of the hold-in winding is strong enough to hold the following components in place:

These components continue to crank the engine.

When you release the ignition switch from the START position, battery voltage is removed from the following areas:

Voltage is applied from the motor contracts through both of the windings to ground at the end of the hold-in winding. The voltage applied to the pull-in winding opposes the voltage which was applied when the winding was first energized. The magnetic fields of the pull-in and the hold-in windings now oppose one another. The return spring causes the following results:

As soon as the contacts open, the starter circuit is turned OFF.