Starting procedures
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
• Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the transmission into PARK, apply the parking brake and remove the key fob from the ignition. When leaving the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a location accessible to children. A child could oper- ate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake, press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the gear selector in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
• The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. • If the key will not turn and the steering wheel is locked, rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve pressure on the locking mechanism and then turn the key.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL position before you can start the engine. Press the brake pedal before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before shifting out of PARK. Tip Start Do not press the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage automatically when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage automati- cally in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does not require pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal. Simply turn the ignition switch to the START position and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” proce- dure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis- sion cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow the procedure carefully. Refer to “Jump- Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further information.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an externally powered electric engine block heater (available from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the “Normal Starting” and “Extreme Cold Weather” proce- dures, it may be flooded. Press the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than 15 seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the “Nor- mal Starting” procedure.
WARNING! Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing serious personal injury.
CAUTION! To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord. The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
WARNING! Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause electrocution.
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