Starting the Engine (Diesel Engine Vehicles)

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Turn off all auxiliary electrical loads to reduce the load on the battery.

3. Vehicles with a manual transmission: Fully depress the clutch pedal and move the shift lever to the neutral position.

Vehicles with an automatic transmission: Make sure the selector lever is in P (Park). Depress the brake pedal.

4. Turn the ignition key to the ON (II) position (Ignition on).

Wait until the glow plug indicator light goes off.

After turning the ignition key to the ON (II) position, a slight humming noise may be heard from the area of the fuel tank (under the rear seat). This is normal and indicates that the fuel system is being filled automatically.

5. Without depressing the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the START (III) position. Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts. If the engine does not start immediately, do not hold the ignition key in the START (III) position for more than 15 seconds (20 seconds in cold weather). Before attempting to start the engine again, wait 20 seconds.

The immobilizer is an effective anti-theft system for the vehicle. Attempting to start the engine with an incorrect key or any other device will cut off the engine's fuel supply. For more information on the immobilizer system, refer to page 162.

Cold Weather Conditions

In very cold climates, the battery charging system and engine oil pressure warning lights may remain on for several seconds before going off. In such conditions, cranking the engine with the starter for a longer period is permitted.

Engine Warm-up

To reduce fuel consumption, it is recommended to drive off immediately after starting the engine. However, do not accelerate hard or repeatedly raise and lower engine speed before the engine has warmed up, as this may cause engine damage.

Do not increase engine speed above the maximum idle speed until the engine oil pressure warning light goes off. This ensures proper lubrication of the crankshaft bearings and turbocharger until the idle speed drops to normal values.

Stopping the Engine

To prevent damage to the turbocharger bearings due to lack of proper lubrication, you MUST let the engine idle for at least 10 seconds before switching it off.