in a starter control system for an engine equipped with a starter motor , starter relay , ignition switch , and electronic control unit , a first circuit and method whereby the ecu will deactivate the starter relay if the operator of a vehicle attempts to re - start the vehicle when the measured engine speed is greater than the minimum engine running speed , under both initial starting and engine running conditions and a second circuit and method whereby the ecu will warn the vehicle operator if the starter pinion gear has not disengaged from the engine ring gear after the measured engine speed has exceeded the minimum engine running speed thereby eliminating the need for an overrunning clutch on the starter assembly .