When the ignition key is turned to position «START» (starter) current from the battery enters the retracting and holding windings of the traction relay. The armature of the traction relay is drawn into the relay, while acting on the drive lever, which engages the starter drive gear with the flywheel ring gear.
On the opposite side, the moving contact of the armature closes the contacts «IN» And «M». After closing the fixed contacts, the current flows to the windings of the starter motor.
After turning the ignition key to position «ON» (ignition) after starting the engine, the gear is disengaged from the flywheel ring gear. The overrunning clutch connects the drive gear and the armature shaft and serves to protect the starter armature from running away.