Starting the Engine

WARNING

• Always wear shoes suitable for driving. Unsuitable shoes (high heels, ski boots, sandals, slippers, etc.) may interfere with operation of the brake, accelerator, and clutch pedals.
• Do not start the vehicle with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle may move unexpectedly and cause an accident.
• Wait until the engine speed returns to normal. The vehicle may shift suddenly if you release the brake pedal while the engine speed is high.

Starting the Gasoline Engine

Vehicle with manual transaxle:

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

2. Make sure the shift lever is in the neutral position.

3. Depress the clutch and brake pedals.

4. Turn the ignition to the START position. Hold the key (maximum 10 seconds) until the engine starts, then release it.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

2. Make sure the shift lever is in P (Park).

3. Depress the brake pedal.

4. Turn the ignition to the START position. Hold the key (maximum 10 seconds) until the engine starts, then release it.

Information

• Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle is stationary. Start driving at a moderate speed. (Avoid rapid acceleration and braking.)
• Always start the vehicle with your foot on the brake pedal. Do not depress the accelerator pedal when starting the vehicle. Do not race the engine while it is warming up.

Starting the Diesel Engine

When the diesel engine is cold, preheat it before starting, then let it warm up before driving.

Vehicle with manual transaxle:

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

2. Make sure the shift lever is in the neutral position.

3. Depress the clutch and brake pedals.

4. Turn the ignition ON to warm up the engine. Warning light () indicator light comes on.

5. When the indicator () turns off, turn the key to the START position. Hold the key (maximum 10 seconds) until the engine starts, then release it.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.

2. Make sure the shift lever is in P (Park).

3. Depress the brake pedal.

4. Turn the ignition ON to warm up the engine. Warning light () indicator light comes on.

5. When the indicator () turns off, turn the key to the START position. Hold the key (maximum 10 seconds) until the engine starts, then release it.

NOTICE

If the engine does not start within 10 seconds after warm-up, turn the ignition to the LOCK position and wait 10 seconds. Then turn the ignition to the ON position to warm up the engine again.

Starting and Stopping the Engine on Models Equipped with a Turbocharger

1. Do not increase engine speed or accelerate immediately after starting. If the engine is cold, let it idle for a few seconds to lubricate the turbocharger.

2. After driving at high speed or after prolonged driving under heavy engine load, let the engine idle for about 1 minute before turning it off. This allows the turbocharger to cool down before the engine is stopped.

NOTICE

Do not turn off the engine immediately after heavy use. You may seriously damage the engine or turbocharger.

NOTICE

To avoid damage to the vehicle:

• Do not hold the key in the START position for more than 10 seconds. Wait 5-10 seconds before trying again.
• Do not turn the ignition key to the START position while the engine is running. This may damage the starter.
• If traffic and road conditions allow, shift the shift lever to N (Neutral) while the vehicle is moving and the ignition is in the START position to attempt to restart the engine.
• Do not try to push or tow the vehicle to start the engine.