DIY Knowing Toyota Automatic Transmission Starting System

Toyota vehicles has two different starting systems which contain two separate electrical circuits, a control circuit and a motor circuit. Older model Toyotas used a conventional starting motor while most current Toyotas has a gear reduction starting motor. Both motor and control circuit have solenoid (heavy-duty magnetic switch) for turning the motor on and off.

The picture shows Toyota starting system operation model with automatic transmission such Supra/Cressida. The starting system is controlled by the ignition switch and protected by a fusible link. A neutral start switch prevents starting with the transmission in gear.

(source: toyota.com)