General Information
This engine chapter is to serve as a guide for best practices only. Each make and model engine may have operating characteristics that are unique to that particular engine, and will be documented in the engine manufacturer's literature. Always refer to specific instructions and reccomendations from the engine manufacturer.
Note: Before starting the engine, read General Information for detailed information on how to read the instruments and see General Information for detailed information on how to operate the controls. Read the operating instructions in the manufacturer's engine operation manual before starting the engine.
- Before engine start-up, complete the engine pretrip and post-trip inspections and maintenance procedures, see Periodic Inspections and Maintenance, General Information and Safety Precautions.
- Set the parking brake.
- For manual transmissions, place the transmission in neutral and fully depress the clutch pedal. For automatic transmissions, put the transmission in neutral. Do not push the accelerator pedal.
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and allow the
gauge sweep to complete. See Fig.. The audible alert will sound for
approximately four seconds. During cold conditions, the WAIT TO START
lamp may illuminate. Wait until the lamp goes out before turning the
ignition key to START.
Fig. 1, Ignition Switch
- Once the gauge sweep has completed, turn the ignition key to the START position. Release the key the moment the engine starts.
- It is not necessary to idle the engine before engaging or starting the operation, but load should be applied gradually during the warm-up period until the oil temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Apply load gradually during the warm-up period.
- Check the oil pressure gauge for any drop in lubricating oil pressure or mechanical malfunction in the lubricating oil system. Minimum oil pressure at idle is 7 psi (50 kPa).
Warning: Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the air inlet opening in the air intake in an attempt to start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing serious personal injury or property damage.
Note: Depending on local jurisdictional emissions regulations, vehicles and/or engines that are domiciled outside of the U.S. and Canada may not be equipped with the WAIT TO START or START BLOCKED lamp.
Note: The length of time the WAIT TO START lamp remains illuminated depends on the ambient temperature. The lower the ambient temperature, the longer the lamp will be illuminated.
Notice: Do not rev the engine if the oil pressure gauge indicates no oil pressure. Shut down the engine if oil pressure does not build within approximately ten seconds. Check to determine the cause of the problem. Operating the engine with no oil pressure will damage the engine.
Notice: If the oil pressure gauge indicates no oil pressure, shut down the engine within approximately ten seconds to avoid engine damage.