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Cold Weather Starting Tips

In case a vehicle is hard to start during cold weather, we suggest the following procedure.

  • These steps are a review of the procedure outlined in the Owner's Manual.
  • Use these steps when the weather is cold and the engine is hard to start.

1. Press the accelerator pedal down approximately 1/3 of the way to the floor.
2. Hold the accelerator pedal in this position while cranking the engine.
3. Once the engine has started release the accelerator pedal. NOTE: Do not race the engine while warming it up.
4. If the engine does not start within 15 seconds, stop cranking, wait at least 10 seconds. Then repeat steps 1 through 3.

Once an engine is started in cold weather condition:

  • You should keep the engine running for a minimum of 2-3 minutes before shutting it off.
  • Starting and stopping of the engine over a short period of time may make the vehicle more difficult to restart.
  • It may also adversely affect a vehicle?s fuel economy. Another factor which may affect a vehicles ?startability? is the viscosity or thickness of the oil that is used.
  • SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures, all year-round for most models.
  • Using SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil makes it easier to start the engine and maintain a stable idle during warm-up.