Automatic Transaxle
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won't start in any other position -- that's a safety feature. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice: Shifting into P (Park) with the vehicle moving could damage the transmission. Shift into P (Park) only when your vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transaxle
| • | Make sure the fan control switch and the rear window defroster are off before starting your engine, especially in cold weather. Turning off these electrical accessories will ensure maximum battery capacity for starting. |
| • | Don't push the accelerator pedal before starting your engine. In other vehicles you might need to do this, but because of your vehicle's electronic fuel injection system you don't, unless the temperature outside is extremely cold or your vehicle is flooded. |
The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won't start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down - that's a safety feature.
Starting Your Engine
- With your foot off 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 it doesn't start, wait about 15 seconds and try again to start the engine by turning the ignition key to START. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.
- If your engine still won't start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in "START" for a maximum of 15 seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, push the accelerator pedal slightly. Now turn your ignition key to 'START". When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator pedal. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
- If your engine stalls, restart it as explained earlier. If it stalls often, have the engine checked by your retailer as soon as possible.
Notice: Holding the key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause the battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage the starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining the battery or damaging the starter.
When your engine has run about 10 seconds to warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Don't "race" your engine when it's cold.
If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C), let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.
When starting your engine in very cold weather (below 5°F or -15°C), do this:
Before you crank the engine, push and hold the accelerator pedal slightly. Then turn your ignition key to "START." When the engine starts, let go of the key and 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.
