Engines start differently. The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) shows the code letter for your engine. See Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . Follow the proper steps to start the engine.
To start a diesel engine, see Starting the Diesel Engine .
Automatic Transmission
Set the parking brake and move your shift lever to NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P), if so equipped. Your engine will not start in any other position -- that is a safety feature.
Manual Transmission
Set the parking brake, shift to neutral and hold the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine.
Starter Motor Operation
| • | The starter motor will disengage if you release the key or the engine reaches a predetermined engine speed. |
| • | To prevent overheating, the starter motor will disengage after continuously operating for 15 seconds. You must release the key from the start position to re-engage the starter. |
| • | The starter motor will not engage if the engine is already running. |
| • | The starter motor will disengage if, after two seconds, the starter pinion gear does not engage the flywheel or there is no engine rpm signal from the engine speed sensor. |
Starting Your Engine
- Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.
- If the engine does not start in 10 seconds, push the accelerator pedal all the way down and crank the engine for five more seconds, unless it starts sooner.
- If your engine still will not start, or starts but then stops, it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Wait 15 seconds to let the starter motor cool down. Do Steps 1 through 3 again.
When the engine starts, let go of the key and the accelerator pedal.
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.
If you ever need to have your vehicle towed, see Towing Your Vehicle .
Gasoline Engine Warm-Up
When you have started your engine, let it run for 20 or 30 seconds to warm up before you put a load on the engine.
Drive at moderate speeds for the first 2 to 3 miles (3.2 to 4.8 km), especially in cold weather. See High Idle System under Starting the Diesel Engine .
Restarting the Gasoline Engine While Moving (Automatic Transmission)
If you have to restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, you will first have to shift to NEUTRAL (N). This safety feature prevents starting the engine when the transmission is in a drive gear.
Stopping the Gasoline Engine
Let your engine idle for a few seconds before turning it off after you have finished driving your vehicle.
If you shift to NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P), set the parking brake.
If your vehicle has a two-speed axle, put the range selector in LOW. To be sure the axle has shifted into LOW, engage the clutch and transmission; the vehicle may move slightly when you do this.
While your engine is idling and before you turn it off, you can make a list of any operational or handling concerns to give to responsible maintenance personnel so they can handle them right away.
Moisture will condense in a fuel tank that is almost empty if the engine has not run for a while, even just overnight under some conditions. So, it is always best to refuel your vehicle at the end of each run.
