Starter system and method

A method for controlling an engine starter system, said method comprising:

• providing an electronic control unit having an engine speed input and at least one output;
• providing a starter capable of being controlled by the electronic control unit and having an electric motor and a pinion, the motor and pinion coupled together for transferring rotational torque from the motor to the pinion when the motor is activated;
• controlling activation of the motor with an electronic control unit output motor signal in response to an engine speed input signal;
• determining with the electronic control unit the pinion speed in an open loop manner based solely on the time since activation of the motor and the voltage applied to the motor;
• and
• selectively moving the pinion between a retracted state and an extended state in response to an electronic control unit output pinion signal, whereby the starter is capable of selectively engaging an engine for cranking the engine.