Place the transmission in the proper gear.
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, the keyless access transmitter must be authenticated in order for the ignition control knob to turn. The transmitter can be authenticated either by putting your foot on the brake pedal or by pushing the ignition control knob in.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any other position. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, your foot must be on the brake pedal to start the engine. To rotate the ignition control knob, put your foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition control knob to the START position. If the ignition control knob does not turn, try pushing the knob in and turning again. When the engine begins cranking, let go of the ignition control knob, it will return to the ON/RUN position.
If the transmitter is not in the vehicle or something is interfering with the transmitter, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display Electronic Key Not Detected. See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.
If the battery in the keyless access transmitter needs replacing, the DIC displays Replace Battery In Remote Key. The vehicle can still be driven. See "Battery Replacement" under Keyless Access System Operation for more information.
Notice: Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in neutral position and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal down to the floor and start the engine. The vehicle will not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down.
Starting Procedure
- With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. If the vehicle has the keyless access system, push the ignition control knob in and rotate the knob to the START position. When the engine starts, let go of the ignition. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts.
- If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or -18°C), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the ignition key is turned to the START position, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and the key is held in START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running. Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by returning the key to the START position immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to let the cranking motor cool down.
Notice: The engine is designed to work with the electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
