Abstract: A system for energizing a motor vehicle engine includes an energy source (e.g. a battery), an ignition switch, a pinion, a motor, a pull-in coil, a holding coil and a magnetizable core movable upon the engerizing of the pull-in coil. The pull-in coil, the holding coil and the core are disposed within a housing. The system also includes first and second switches each disposed within the housing and closed upon the movement of the core. The system further includes a control system disposed within the housing and operable when the ignition switch has been closed in a particular sequence such as that produced by short intervals between first closings and pauses between other closings. When the control system is operated, current flows through the pull-in coil, causing the core to be moved to a position closing the first and second switches and moving the pinion to a position coupling the engine to the motor. The closure of the first switch connects the energy source directly to the motor.