Starting the engine

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)

The starter is designed so that it does not operate unless the selector lever is in either of the above positions.

3. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by turning the ignition switch to START. Release the switch when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure.

- If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold weather or when restarting, depress the accelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it and then crank the engine. Release the accelerator pedal when the engine starts.

- If the engine is very hard to start because it is flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.

Crank the engine for 5 - 6 seconds. After cranking the engine, release the accelerator pedal. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by turning the ignition switch to START.

Release the ignition switch when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure.

Do not operate the starter for more

Do not operate the starter for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch off and wait 10 seconds before cranking again, otherwise the starter could be damaged.

4. Warm-up

Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds after starting. Do not race the engine while warming it up. Drive at moderate speed for a short distance first, especially in cold weather. In cold weather, keep the engine running for a minimum of 2 - 3 minutes before shutting it off. Starting and stopping the engine over a short period of time may make the vehicle more difficult to start.

    See also:

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    Explanation of maintenance items
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    Wet brakes
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