GILLIG LOW FLOOR, Service Manual, Page: 373 / 506

Electrical System
373
STARTING SySTEM
The starting system includes the batteries, starter motor, starter solenoid, starter control relay, rotary
ignition switch, and other circuit breakers, switches, and wiring. A starting system electrical schematic is
included in the Electrical Schematics Manual .
Starting Control and Operation Safety
When performing maintenance operations in the engine compartment,
keep the IGNITION SELECT switch in the center “OFF” position or
the “REAR” position to prevent the engine from being started from
the driver’s area. When starting the engine from the rear of the coach,
ensure the parking brake is applied and the transmission is in the
Neutral (N) position (transmission must be in neutral for the engine to
start).
The starter control system renders the starter inoperative when the IGNITION SELECT switch, on the
rear run box, is in the “OFF” position. This switch must be in the “FRONT” position in order to start the
engine from the driver’s area.
The starter can be cranked for no more than 15 seconds at a time. This
15-second limit is programmed into the I/O system to protect the starter
from overheating. There is a programmed 3-second waiting period
between starting attempts to prevent “bumping” the engine and to allow
the pinion and ring gear to stop, thus preventing damage to the engine
or starter.
The starter must be allowed to cool after extended cranking cycles. Let
the starter cool off for at least 2 minutes after 3 starting attempts.
The transmission shifting mechanism automatically returns to the Neutral (N) position when the ignition
rotary switch is turned to the “OFF” position. If the coach will not start, turn the ignition rotary switch to
the “OFF” position and back on again to cause the transmission to select the Neutral position.
After the engine has started, the engine ECM will disable the starter circuit to prevent the starter from
being engaged again, which precludes damage to the starter from engagement with the rotating flywheel
ring gear.