Page 4 of 16

PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE
Climate conditions and other factors play a large part in deciding how to
start the engine. Read all the starting instructions carefully, so you'll be
aware of these factors when you start the engine.
WARNING: Before turning the key, make sure the parking brake
has been set fully. Place the gearshift in P (Park).
Do not crank the starter continuously for more than 30 seconds at a
time, as starter overheating or other damage could result. If the engine
fails or falters in starting, wait three or four seconds before re-engaging
the starter. If the engine is flooded, or fires intermittently, and fails to
start during a 30±second cranking period, wait two minutes before
attempting to start the engine again.
A computer system controls the engine's idle RPM. When you start your
vehicle, the engine's idling RPM normally runs high. These higher engine
speeds will slow down when the vehicle warms up. If they do not, have
the idle RPM checked.
WARNING: If the engine idling speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10
minutes. Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible. Extended
idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures
in the engine, fuel systems and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage to the vehicle and possibly resulting in
personal injury.
If fuel odor is detected inside the vehicle, have the vehicle checked by a
qualified service technician.
WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other
enclosed area. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
1. Make sure you and all your passengers buckle your safety belts.
2. Make sure your headlamps and other accessories are turned off.
3. Make sure the gearshift lever is in P (Park) and the parking brake is
set before you turn the key.
Starting your vehicle
4
Page 5 of 16

STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting procedure
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicle.
2. Turn the key to START until the engine starts, then release the key.
Do not press down on the accelerator.
3. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. Do not hold the key in
START or you could damage the starter. After you start the engine, let it
idle for about 15 seconds.
4. Hold your foot on the brake pedal, put the gearshift lever in gear and
release the parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal and drive away
in a normal manner.
Cold weather starting
If your flexible fuel vehicle is equipped with an engine block heater, the
standard 110V AC (male) plug is located at the front of the vehicle in
the upper left-hand air inlet opening, under the bumper.
When the temperature is expected to be ±23ÉC (±10ÉF) below and your
vehicle has fuel ethanol (E
d85) in the fuel tank, you should plug in the
engine block heater to ensure a quick start.
If temperatures are expected to remain below ±23ÉC (±10ÉF), it is
recommended that you reduce the alcohol content in your fuel tank to
about 70% by adding unleaded gasoline if your tank is not already full.
Thirteen liters (three gallons) of gasoline will reduce the alcohol in 3/4
full tank from 85% to about 70%. In some areas, winter blends of E
d85
will already contain the extra gasoline. See theRefuelingsection of this
supplement for more information on alcohol fuels.
If you should unexpectedly have 85% alcohol in your fuel tank in
extremely cold temperatures with no way to use the engine block heater,
the engine may require extended crank times and several attempts to
start.
Starting your vehicle
5
Page 6 of 16
If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions
1. Press the accelerator pedal 1/3 to 1/2 of the way to floor and hold.
2. Turn the key to START position.
3. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
4. If the engine still fails to start, repeat steps one through three.
5. After the engine starts, hold your foot on the brake pedal, put the
gearshift lever in gear and release the parking brake. Slowly release the
brake pedal and drive away in a normal manner.
If your vehicle has alcohol content in the fuel tank between 10% and
30%, and the outside temperature is above 27ÉC (80ÉF), you may
experience a rough or rolling idle after start up. The idle should improve
in 10 to 30 seconds.
Starting your vehicle
6