Engine Starting System — General Information and Precautions [Toyota RAV4 XA20]

The starting system consists of a battery, a starter motor, a starter solenoid relay, and wiring that connects all of these components. The retractor relay and starter motor are combined into one unit. The starter control circuit consists of the ignition switch, starter power relay, fuses, wiring harness to the starter relay and thick wire (with a large cross-section core) starter motor power supply. The system also includes a clutch pedal position sensor mounted on the clutch pedal (models with manual transmission), or a contact sensor (PNP) of the selector lever position installed on the automatic transmission.

The starter solenoid/motor assembly is mounted on the top of the transmission bellhousing.

When the ignition key is turned to the START position, the magnetic solenoid switch is activated (voltage from the starter control circuit is supplied to its winding). At the same time, the retractor relay engages the drive gear with the ring gear of the faceplate/flywheel and connects the starter motor to the battery with its actuator contacts - the engine crankshaft turns.

On some models with manual transmission, the starter can only be started when the clutch pedal is pressed. On models with automatic transmission, the starter can only be started in two selector lever positions: Park or Neutral.

When working with the starter, observe the following precautions:

• Long-term operation of the starter leads to its overheating. Never turn on the starter for more than 15 seconds, leave a pause of at least two minutes between turns.
• The starter is directly connected to the battery; when it is connected and accidentally short-circuited or overloaded, a spark may occur, leading to a fire.
• Before servicing or repairing the starter, always disconnect the ground cable from the battery.

[The material was taken from a resource: ToyotaMan]