Starting the engine
After you’ve made the preliminary checks and you’re settled comfortably in the driving seat, begin the drill for starting the engine.
- Check the parking brake is on by trying to pull it on slightly further.
- Check that the gear lever is in neutral (or ‘P’ or ‘N’ if driving an automatic).
- Pull the choke out if your vehicle has one. Most vehicles have an automatic choke.
- Switch on the ignition by turning the key. The ignition and oil pressure light, if fitted, will come on. Other warning lights should also come on. With a diesel engine you might have to wait for a glow-plug light to go out.
- Operate the starter by turning the key further, or use the separate starter switch, if one is fitted.
- Release the starter key or switch as soon as the engine begins running; otherwise the starter could be damaged. Don’t operate the starter if the engine is already running.
If the engine fails to start
If the engine fails to start first time
- release the key or switch
- wait a moment
- try again.
When the engine starts
You may need to press the accelerator slightly to keep the engine running.
The engine should now be idling (‘ticking over’).
The ignition and oil pressure warning lights should go out when the engine is running. If either light stays on, switch off the engine and have the fault checked. Never drive a vehicle with the oil pressure warning light showing – it could damage the engine.
If your vehicle has a manual choke, push it in as the engine warms up. Don’t drive with the choke out any longer than necessary. This wastes fuel, causes wear to the engine and can be dangerous, especially with automatic transmission.
Move off as soon as possible after starting the engine. Allowing the engine to warm up while you’re stationary wastes fuel and causes pollution.