Method and device for controlling an actuator for a starter

The control device (100) includes a control unit (110) such as a microcontroller with an ON output for outputting a control signal to the switch in response to a start command to start the starter. It also has a control holder (120) between the control unit and the switch for temporarily storing the control signal after it has been output by the control unit. A feedback coupling unit (130) feeds back a current state of the holder to the control unit. After a temporary interruption in its supply voltage and thus a resulting temporary switching off of the control unit, the control unit is reactivated and is adapted to decide to again take up control of the switch over the holder when two conditions are satisfied. The first condition is that the switch, at the time of the decision, is still controlled by the temporarily stored control signal from before the interruption. The second condition is that the temporarily stored signal from before the interruption is still stored after the interruption. Independent claims also cover a method of controlling the switch.