Exactly, think of the pulse module as an "AND" gate. If the key is turned to "start" AND the ECM is sending an enable to the pulse module, the pulse module powers the starter.

Iin automatic-equipped cars:

• The pulse module engages the starter anytime there is an enable from the ECM and the key is turned to "start", but the key's input is 'latched", that is, once there is a "start" from the key, even if the 'start' goes away from the key, the pulse module keeps the starter engaged.
• When the engine rpm gets to 400 rpm, the enable from the ECM goes away, disabling the pulse module's starter output.

In manual-equipped cars:

• The pulse module engages the starter anytime there is an enable from the ECM and the key is at "start", but it does not latch the key condition, if you release the key, the pulse module disengages the starter right away.
• When the engine gets to 400 rpm, the enable from the ECM goes away, disabling the pulse module's starter output.

At least, that is how I THOUGHT it worked. But a close look at the student reference implies that the ECM has the "AND" gate, not the pulse module:


This implies that the pulse module in a manual car is nothing more than a jumper wire.
Since I own a manual-equipped car, I now want to know for sure.

With temperatures in the upper 90's here today, Im not sure how much I want to verify this today. But the ORIGINAL student manual is vauge, is the switch contact shown the "START" or "ON" contact? Below is the manuals' diagram, above is my interpretation of same.


As is always the case, the documentation for the car is not always accurate and is never complete.