1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
Continuously variable transmission models
2. Check that the shift lever is in (P), then depress the brake pedal.
Manual transmission models
2. Check that the shift lever is in (N). Then depress the brake pedal with your right foot, and the clutch pedal with your left foot.
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and cooling system*/climate control system*, and rear defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold, an engine block heater will improve starting and warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently below -22ºF (-30ºC) are expected, the coolant mixture should be changed to a higher concentration to prevent freezing. Consult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with the engine or exhaust system.
3. Turn the ignition switch to START (III) without depressing the accelerator pedal.
Do not hold the key in START (e for more than 15 seconds.
Release the accelerator pedal once the engine starts.
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from theft. If an improperly coded device is used, the engine's fuel system is disabled.
■Starting to Drive
Continuously variable transmission models
1. Keeping your right foot on the brake pedal, put the shift lever in (D). Select (R) when reversing.
2. With the parking brake applied, release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal.
You can also release the parking brake by pressing the electric parking brake switch while depressing the brake pedal.
When facing downhill, you can start your vehicle more smoothly by manually releasing it with the electric parking brake switch than by releasing it with the accelerator pedal.
■ Hill start assist system
Hill start assist keeps the brake engaged briefly to help prevent the vehicle from rolling on inclines as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
Manual transmission models
Depress the clutch pedal, and shift to one of the forward gears when facing uphill, or (R) when facing downhill, then release the brake pedal.
Continuously variable transmission models
Move the shift lever to (D), (S), or (L) when facing uphill, or (R) when facing downhill, then release the brake pedal.
Hill start assist may not prevent the vehicle from rolling downhill on a very steep or slippery slope, and does not operate on small inclines.
Hill start assist is not a replacement for the parking brake.