Starting the engine

WARNING Always wear shoes suitable for driving. Unsuitable shoes (high heels, ski boots, etc.) may interfere with the use of the brake and accelerator pedals.

NOTE - Kickdown mechanism (if equipped)

If the vehicle is equipped with a kickdown mechanism in the accelerator pedal, it prevents unintentional driving with the pedal fully pressed, requiring the driver to apply increasing force as the pedal is pressed. However, if the pedal is pressed beyond approximately 80%, the vehicle enters the fully open throttle condition, and the accelerator pedal becomes easier to press. This condition is not a sign of a malfunction; it is completely normal.

NOTE

- The engine starts by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button only when the smart key is inside the vehicle.

- Even if the smart key is inside the vehicle, the engine may not start if the key is too far away.

- When the ENGINE START/STOP button is in ACC or ON position, if any door is opened, the system checks where the smart key is. If the smart key is not inside the vehicle, the "KEY OUT" indicator flashes, and if all doors are closed, the buzzer sounds for 5 seconds. The indicator turns off when the vehicle is moving. Keep the smart key inside the vehicle when using the ACC position or when the engine is ON.

1. Carry the smart key or leave it inside the vehicle.

2. Make sure the parking brake is firmly applied.

3. Manual transmission - Fully press the clutch pedal and shift the gear lever to Neutral. Keep the clutch and brake pedals pressed while starting the engine.

Automatic transmission - Move the shift lever to P (Park).

Fully depress the brake pedal.

The engine can also be started with the shift lever in N (Neutral).

4. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button.

NOTE

- Whether the engine is cold or warm, always start the vehicle with your foot on the brake pedal. Do not press the accelerator when starting the vehicle. Do not over-rev the engine while it warms up.

- In extremely cold temperatures (below -18°C/0°F) or after the vehicle has not been used for several days, let the engine warm up without pressing the accelerator pedal.

NOTICE If the engine stalls while the vehicle is moving, do not attempt to shift the gear lever to P (Park). If traffic and road conditions allow, shift the gear lever to N (Neutral) while the vehicle is still moving, then press the ENGINE START/STOP button to try to restart the engine.

NOTE

To avoid damage to the vehicle: Do not press the ENGINE START/STOP button for more than 10 seconds, except when the stop lamp fuse is disconnected.

If the stop lamp fuse is blown, the engine cannot be started normally. Replace the fuse with a new one. If this is not possible, the engine can be started by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button for 10 seconds with the button in ACC position.

However, for safety reasons, always press the clutch and/or brake pedal before starting the engine.

NOTE

If the smart key battery is discharged or the smart key does not work properly, the engine can be started by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button with the smart key held in the direction shown in the illustration above.