The invention relates to a device for controlling a starter for a heat engine that is equipped with an electric motor having a field coil with several windings and an armature winding, both of which are mounted in series, comprising a power contact which is equipped with terminals, one of said terminals being connected to the positive terminal (+Bat) of a battery and the other terminal being connected to the field coil having several windings. The inventive device comprises first means which, in a first phase upon closure of the power contact, activate part of the windings of the field coil and second delayed-action means which, in a second phase during which the power contact is always closed, activate at least a large number of the windings of the coil. The invention is intended for the heat engine starter of a vehicle.