Starter Wire

Q: Starter Wire

Does the purple 12 ga wire from the wiring harness to the starter go to the “R” terminal or the “S” terminal on the starter? and what is the other terminal for?

A: The 12 gauge purple wire goes from the starter switch, through the firewall plug harness, then down to the “S” terminal of the starter. The “S” terminal serves to actuate the starter SOLENOID windings. When the solenoid pulls the starter drive to engage the starter, it also closes a couple contacts via a disc on the solenoid assembly. This energizes the starter motor windings and turns the starter. The other contact that is made with this disc is the “R” terminal (Relay). This terminal supplies a “direct” path to the ignition coil positive terminal while the starter is energized. The reason for this dedicated path is to maximize coil current while the starter is “taxing” the system, i.e., creating a voltage drop. When the engine starts and the starter switch is released, the “R” terminal is disconnected. The ignition coil then continues to be energized via the ignition switch loop and the resistance wire. I have diagrams if you need them.

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