Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral) for an automatic transmission. For a manual transmission the vehicle can be started in Neutral or any other gear as long as the clutch pedal is pressed. To restart a vehicle with a manual transmission when you are already moving, use the Neutral position only. To restart a vehicle with an automatic transmission when you are already moving, use N (Neutral).
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.
The keyless access transmitter must be inside the vehicle for the ignition to work.
Cell phone chargers can interfere with the operation of the Keyless Access System. Battery chargers should not be plugged in when starting or turning off the engine.
To start the vehicle, do the following:
- For vehicles with an automatic transmission, with your foot on the brake pedal, press the START button located on the instrument panel. For vehicles with a manual transmission, you must also press in the clutch pedal while pressing the START button.
- When the engine begins cranking, let go of the button and the engine cranks automatically until it starts. If the battery in the keyless access transmitter is weak, the DIC displays FOB BATTERY LOW. You can still drive the vehicle.
- 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.
- If the engine does not start and no DIC message is displayed, wait 15 seconds before trying again to let the cranking motor cool down.
If there is not a keyless access transmitter in the vehicle or if there is something causing interference with it, the DIC will display NO FOBS DETECTED. See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.
See "Battery Replacement" under Keyless Access System Operation for more information. If the fob battery is dead, you need to insert the fob into the fob slot to enable engine starting. See "No Fobs Detected" under DIC Warnings and Messages.
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 while cranking for up to 15 seconds maximum. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of the accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, repeat these steps. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by pressing the START button 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 allow the cranking motor to cool down.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components. Once cranking has been initiated, the engine continues cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start, cranking automatically stops after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running.
Notice: The engine is designed to work with the electronics in the vehicle. If electrical parts or accessories are added, 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.
Stopping the Engine
If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, move the shift lever to P (Park) and press and hold the Acc. (Off/Accessory) button, located on the instrument panel, until the engine shuts off. If the shift lever is not in P (Park), the engine shuts off and the vehicle goes into the Accessory Mode. The DIC displays SHIFT TO PARK. Once the shifter is moved to P (Park), the vehicle turns off. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, it is recommended that you move the shift lever to R (Reverse) and set the parking brake after you turn off the engine by pressing the Acc. (Off/Accessory) button.
If the keyless access transmitter is not detected inside the vehicle when it is turned to off, the DIC displays NO FOB - OFF OR RUN?.
See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.
