Before understanding how the starter system works, it's essential to learn the function of each component. Key components include the ignition switch, terminal 30 (positive battery cable), terminal 50 (connected to the ignition switch), terminal C (for field coil winding), pull-in coil (pulls the plunger), hold-in coil (holds the plunger), plunger (receives electromagnetic force and pushes the contact plate), plunger spring (returns plunger), drive lever (pushes the pinion gear), pinion gear (transmits rotation to the flywheel), starter clutch (one-way rotation), armature (generates magnetic field), field coil (generates magnetic field), positive brush (current to commutator), negative brush (current to ground), commutator (transmits current), battery (power source), and contact plate (connects terminals 30 and C).

When the ignition key is turned to the 'ST' position, current flows from the battery to the ignition switch, then to terminal 50, and simultaneously to the pull-in coil and hold-in coil. The current to the pull-in coil goes to terminal C, while the current to the hold-in coil goes to ground. From terminal C, current also flows to the field coil and positive brush, then to the armature winding and ultimately to ground via the negative brush. This current flow magnetizes both the pull-in and hold-in coils, causing the plunger to move to the right and engage the contact plate with terminals 30 and C. The plunger's movement also pulls the drive lever, causing the pinion gear to engage the flywheel while rotating slowly.

Once the pinion gear is engaged, the contact plate connects terminals 30 and C, allowing a large current to flow from the battery to terminal 30, through the contact plate to terminal C, then to the field coil, positive brush, armature coil, and finally to ground via the negative brush. This substantial current causes the starter motor to rotate powerfully. During this phase, the current through the pull-in coil ceases because the voltage at terminal 50 and terminal C equalizes. However, current continues to flow through the hold-in coil, maintaining the plunger's position and the contact plate's connection.

When the ignition key returns to the 'ON' or 'IG' position, the current from terminal 'ST' is cut, interrupting the current to the hold-in coil. Because the contact plate is still connected to terminals 30 and C, current from terminal C now flows to the pull-in coil and then to the hold-in coil, leading to ground. The current flow in the pull-in coil and hold-in coil is now in opposing directions. This opposition creates demagnetization, causing the return spring to push the plunger back to its original position. As the plunger retracts, the contact plate detaches from terminals 30 and C, cutting off all current to both the pull-in and hold-in coils, and subsequently to the starter motor. This cessation of current causes the starter motor to stop rotating.