Diesel Engine Starting Procedure

A diesel engine starts differently than a gasoline engine.

1. 1
   With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter must be inside the vehicle. Press ENGINE START/STOP and watch the wait-to-start indicator. See Wait-to-Start Indicator 0 139. This indicator may not illuminate if the engine is warm.
2. 2
   As soon as the wait-to-start light turns off, immediately press ENGINE START/STOP while depressing the brake pedal to start.

   The engine has a fast-heat glow plug system. The wait-to-start indicator light turns off in a much shorter time than most diesel engines, due to the fast-heating glow plug system.

3. 3
   If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking, wait one minute to allow the starter motor to cool, then try the same steps again.

If you try to start the engine after the vehicle has run out of fuel, perform the steps described in Running Out of Fuel (Diesel).

When the engine is cold, let it idle for a few minutes before driving. This allows the oil pressure to build up. The engine will sound louder when it is cold.

Cold Weather Starting (Diesel Engine)

Use the recommended engine oil when the outside temperature drops below the freezing point. Refer to Engine Oil. When the outside temperature drops below –18 °C, use of an engine block heater is recommended.

Refer to Diesel Engine Fuel for information on which fuel to use in cold weather.

If the Diesel Engine Does Not Start

If the vehicle has run out of fuel, refer to Running Out of Fuel (Diesel).

If the vehicle has not run out of fuel and the engine does not start:

Press the ENGINE START/STOP button. Immediately after the wait-to-start light goes off, press the ENGINE START/STOP button to start the vehicle.

If the light does not go off, wait a few seconds, then try to start the engine again. Contact your dealer to have the starting system inspected.

If the light comes on and then goes off, and the battery is known to be 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 battery does not have enough charge to start the engine, refer to Battery - North America.

Make sure the correct engine oil has been used and changed at the proper intervals. If the wrong oil is used, the engine may be harder to start.

Be sure to use the proper fuel for existing weather conditions. Refer to Diesel Engine Fuel.

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