Table of contents: Preparing for a car trip ↓ Starting and stopping the engine ↓
Preparing for a car trip
Before getting into the car, make sure that its windows, mirrors and lights are clean. Check the condition of the wheels, look under the car and make sure there are no fluid leaks.
Check the powertrain fluid levels in accordance with the maintenance schedule (engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid), as well as the level of power steering fluid, brake fluid and washer fluid (see Chapter 1).
Once in the vehicle, perform the following operations:
- close and lock all doors;
- adjust the seat position (see Section 10), rear view mirrors and steering wheel (see Section 11);
- make sure that the external lighting fixtures are working properly;
- check the operation of control instruments;
- when turning on the ignition, check the serviceability of the indicator lamps located in the instrument cluster (see Section 15);
- fasten your seat belt and ask your passengers to do the same;
- release the parking brake and make sure that the corresponding K/L goes out.
Starting and stopping the engine
First, make sure that the parking brake is set and all auxiliary systems are turned off.
On models with AT or CVT, set the selector lever to the "P" or "N" position, and on models with manual transmission, set the gearshift lever to the neutral position. Turn the ignition on by turning the key to position "2". If on diesel models, the pre-heating lamp lights up. Wait until it goes out.
Press the brake pedal (on models with AT or CVT) or clutches (on models with manual transmission) and turn the key in the ignition switch to position "3" without pressing the gas pedal. As soon as the engine starts, release the key - it will return to position "2".
Note: The duration of starter operation during one attempt to start the engine should not exceed 10 seconds; wait at least 30 seconds between attempts. If the engine fails to start the first time, or if the engine starts with difficulty at very low/high temperatures or at altitudes above 1000 m, press the accelerator pedal halfway while the starter is running. Avoid multiple unsuccessful attempts to start, as this will not completely burn the fuel, which may lead to overheating and damage to the catalytic converter.
Note: If a diesel engine stalls due to running out of fuel, the starter may need to be operated for up to one minute to restart.
Let the engine idle for a while before driving (at least 30 seconds), after that, you should warm up the engine by driving at a moderate speed. Until the engine has warmed up, avoid running it at high speeds and with a heavy load, especially in frosty weather. Immediately after starting the engine, you may hear the noise of the hydraulic valve clearance compensators, which will subside over time - this is normal.
After a long period of high load on the engine, do not turn it off immediately, but let it run at idle speed for a few minutes first to avoid a sharp temperature drop in different areas of the engine.
To turn off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, set the mode selector to position "P" (only for models with AT or CVT) and turn the key to position "1". Then engage 1st or reverse gear (only on models with manual transmission), set the parking brake and remove the key from the lock.
(The original publication in its entirety is posted on the website «audimanual»)