Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any other position. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.

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.

Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) and hold the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine. The vehicle will not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down.

1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN.

Observe the wait to start light. See Wait to Start Light.

This light may not come on if the engine is hot.

2. As soon as the wait to start light goes off, immediately turn the ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key.

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.

Notice: If the wait to start indicator stays on after starting your vehicle, your vehicle may not run properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away.

3. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking, turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF. Wait one minute for the starter to cool, then try the same steps again.

When the engine is cold, let it run for a few minutes before you move the vehicle. This lets oil pressure build up. The engine will sound louder when it is cold.

Notice: If you are not in an idling vehicle and the engine overheats, you would not be there to see the overheated engine indication. This could damage the vehicle. Do not let the engine run when you are not in the vehicle.

The following tips will help with cold weather starting.

Use the recommended engine oil when the outside temperature drops below freezing. See Engine Oil. When the outside temperature drops below 0°F (-18°C), use of the engine coolant heater is recommended.

See Engine Coolant Heater for more information.

See What Fuel to Use for information on what fuel to use in cold weather.

If you are not out of fuel, and the engine will not start, do this:

Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN. Immediately after the wait to start light goes off, turn the ignition key to START.

If the light does not go off, wait a few seconds, then try starting the engine again. And, see your dealer/retailer as soon as you can for a starting system check.

If the light comes on and then goes off and you know the batteries are charged, but the engine still will not start, the vehicle needs service.

If the light does not come on when the engine is cold, the vehicle needs service.

If the batteries do not have enough charge to start the engine, see Battery for more information.

Be sure you have the right oil for the engine, and that you have changed the oil at the proper times. If you use the wrong oil, the engine may be harder to start. See Engine Oil for more information.

Be sure you are using the proper fuel for existing weather conditions. See What Fuel to Use What Fuel to Use.

If the engine starts, runs a short time, then stops, the vehicle needs service.

Caution: Do not use gasoline or starting aids, such as ether, in the air intake. They could damage the engine. There could also be a fire, which could cause serious personal injury.