How to Properly Start an Engine

To start an engine correctly: secure the vehicle, verify fuel and battery status, follow the procedure specific to your engine type (fuel-injected gasoline, carbureted, or diesel), avoid pressing the accelerator on modern fuel-injected cars, and allow a brief idle before driving gently. This overview covers safe, step-by-step methods for cars, motorcycles, and small engines, including cold-weather tips and what to do if it won’t start.

Before You Start: Safety and Pre-Checks

Run these quick checks to reduce risk of damage or injury and to improve the chance of a smooth start. They apply broadly to cars, motorcycles, generators, and lawn equipment.

• Ensure adequate ventilation; never run engines in enclosed spaces due to carbon monoxide risk.
• Confirm the transmission is in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual), and set the parking brake.
• Depress the brake pedal (and clutch for manuals) before cranking.
• Verify there’s enough fuel and that the correct fuel type is used.
• Check warning lights after turning the ignition to ON; address critical alerts (oil pressure, immobilizer, etc.).
• Turn off high-draw accessories (HVAC high fan, lights) to ease the load on the battery during start.
• For small engines: set the kill switch to Run, fuel valve ON, and ensure attachments/blades are disengaged.
• If the vehicle has a smart key or immobilizer, ensure the key/fob is detected and battery in the fob isn’t depleted.
• On motorcycles and small engines, wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection).

These checks help prevent unintended movement, reduce starter and battery strain, and avoid starting with a known fault that could jeopardize the engine.

Starting a Modern Fuel-Injected Gasoline Car (Key or Push-Button)

Most vehicles built since the mid-1990s are fuel-injected and feature computer-controlled starting. The process is straightforward and does not require pressing the accelerator.

1. Buckle up, verify Park/Neutral, and apply the parking brake.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal; press the clutch in a manual.
3. Turn the key to ON (without cranking) or press the Start button once without the brake to wake systems; wait a second for dash lights to cycle.
4. Start the engine: turn the key to START or press the Start button while holding the brake. Do not press the accelerator.
5. Hold the starter no longer than about 5–10 seconds. If it doesn’t catch, release, wait 10–15 seconds, and try again.
6. After it starts, let the idle stabilize for 10–30 seconds, then drive off gently; avoid high RPMs until the engine reaches normal temperature.

Modern ECUs meter fuel and air automatically. Avoid repeated rapid cranks and high revving on cold start, which can accelerate wear and foul plugs or catalytic converters.

Starting a Carbureted Gasoline Engine (Older Cars, Motorcycles, Small Engines)

Carbureted engines require manual enrichment when cold. Procedures vary; consult your owner’s manual for specifics like choke operation.

1. Ensure fuel is ON (petcock/valve). For some small engines, press the primer bulb 3–5 times.
2. Set the choke to full (cold) or half (warm); set throttle to a fast-idle position if applicable.
3. Crank the engine (key) or pull the starter cord smoothly until it fires.
4. As the engine catches, gradually open the choke (toward OFF) to prevent flooding; aim for a smooth idle.
5. If it floods (strong fuel smell, no start), hold throttle wide open and crank briefly to clear, then try again with less choke.

Fine-tune choke and throttle as the engine warms. Leaving the choke on too long wastes fuel, fouls plugs, and can damage the catalytic converter on equipped machines.

Starting a Diesel Engine

Diesels rely on compression heat and often use glow plugs for cold starts. Modern diesels manage this automatically but still benefit from a brief wait before cranking.

1. Turn the ignition to ON and wait for the glow-plug indicator to extinguish (a coil icon). In cold weather, cycle the glow plugs twice.
2. Crank the engine without touching the accelerator.
3. Allow the engine to idle smoothly for 20–60 seconds; in very cold conditions, up to a couple of minutes before applying load.
4. If it fails to start, check fuel level and consider water-in-fuel warnings or air in fuel lines; do not use ether on engines with glow plugs.

Patience with glow plugs and gentle initial operation reduce white smoke, misfires, and wear on injectors and aftertreatment systems.

Starting in Extreme Cold or Heat

Temperature extremes stress batteries, fuel systems, and lubricants. Adjust your approach to improve reliability and reduce wear.

• Cold: Use the correct oil viscosity (e.g., 0W-20/5W-30 as specified); a weak battery is the top no-start culprit—consider a maintainer or jump pack.
• Cold: Cycle the ignition to ON for 2–3 seconds before cranking to prime the fuel pump; press the clutch when starting manuals to reduce load.
• Cold: Use a block heater or parking in a garage to aid cold starts.
• Heat: If hot-soaked, wait a minute with the ignition ON to cool and repressurize the fuel system.
• Carbureted engines: Vapor lock in heat may require brief cool-down; avoid excessive pumping of the throttle.

Proper oil, a healthy battery, and brief system priming markedly improve start quality in harsh conditions.

Push-Starting and Jump-Starting

Jump-Start Safely (12V Systems)

Jump-starting can recover a weak battery, but incorrect connections risk damage. Use designated jump posts when provided.

1. Connect red clamp to the dead battery’s positive (+).
2. Connect the other red clamp to the donor battery’s positive (+).
3. Connect black clamp to the donor battery’s negative (−).
4. Connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal ground on the dead vehicle, away from the battery.
5. Start the donor, wait 2–5 minutes, then try starting the disabled vehicle.
6. Remove cables in reverse order; keep the revived engine running for at least 20 minutes to recharge.

Do not jump-start from or to high-voltage hybrid/EV traction batteries; use only the 12V jump points and follow the manual. Some vehicles have specific procedures—check documentation.

Push-/Bump-Starting (Manual Transmissions Only)

Push-starting can work if the 12V battery has enough power to run the ECU and fuel pump. It does not work on automatics and may be restricted by some modern systems.

1. Turn ignition to ON, select 2nd gear, press the clutch.
2. Gain speed (assist push or roll on a slope) to about 5–10 mph (8–16 km/h).
3. Release the clutch quickly while lightly pressing the accelerator; once it fires, press the clutch again.
4. Stabilize the idle and continue driving gently.

Use only where safe and legal. Repeated attempts can send unburned fuel into the exhaust; avoid if the engine is flooded or if the manual advises against it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These pitfalls can drain batteries, flood engines, or cause mechanical wear.

• Pressing the accelerator during start on fuel-injected engines.
• Cranking longer than 10 seconds per attempt or rapid, repeated cranks without pauses.
• Revving immediately after start, especially when cold or with turbocharged engines.
• Ignoring immobilizer or key/fob warnings.
• Starting in gear or without the parking brake set.
• Using starting fluid on diesel engines with glow plugs.
• Leaving the choke on after the engine has warmed.

Avoiding these errors preserves the starter, battery, and emissions components while improving reliability.

Troubleshooting If It Won’t Start

Use symptoms to guide quick diagnostics before calling for service.

• No crank, rapid clicking: likely weak battery or poor connections; check terminals and try a jump-start.
• Cranks but doesn’t start: verify fuel level, listen for the fuel pump’s prime; check for security/immobilizer light.
• Cranks, occasional sputter: could be flooded (gas smell); follow clear-flood procedure (WOT during crank on EFI, choke OFF on carbs).
• Diesel: check for water-in-fuel indicator, gelled fuel in extreme cold, or air in lines after filter service.
• Small engines: confirm kill switch is in Run, safety interlocks engaged, fresh fuel (ethanol blends can go stale in months), and a clean spark plug.
• Scan for OBD-II codes on modern vehicles; stored faults can point to crank/cam sensors, fuel pressure, or ignition issues.

If basic checks fail, professional diagnostics can prevent further damage and pinpoint the fault efficiently.

Environmental and Safety Notes

Avoid extended idling; many regions regulate idling and it wastes fuel. Never run engines in enclosed areas due to CO risk. Maintain batteries with a smart tender if a vehicle sits for long periods, and follow manufacturer guidance for hybrids and start-stop systems.

Summary

Starting an engine correctly begins with safety and simple pre-checks. Use the right procedure for your engine type: no throttle for fuel-injected gasoline engines, proper choke use for carbureted systems, and glow-plug timing for diesels. Adapt to weather, avoid common mistakes, and troubleshoot systematically. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual for model-specific steps.

How to start an engine after sitting for a long time?

To start an engine after long storage, you must first ensure it’s healthy by draining old fuel, replacing the battery, and checking all fluids like engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Next, lubricate the cylinders by removing spark plugs and adding oil, then rotate the engine by hand to distribute it. With fresh fuel and fluids, you can then try to start the engine, letting it warm up while watching for leaks and checking its overall health. 
1. Check and Prepare the Engine

• Drain Old Fuel: Opens in new tabOld gasoline can degrade and damage the fuel system, so drain the tank and lines. 
• Lubricate Cylinders: Opens in new tabRemove the spark plugs and squirt a small amount of oil into each cylinder to lubricate the cylinder walls. 
• Hand-Crank the Engine: Opens in new tabBefore using the starter, turn the engine by hand a few times with a wrench on the crankshaft nut to ensure it’s not seized and the oil is distributed. 
• Check Fluids: Opens in new tabTop off or replace engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and other essential fluids. 
• Inspect Belts and Hoses: Opens in new tabLook for any cracks, leaks, or weakened seals on belts and hoses. 
• Check Tires and Brakes: Opens in new tabInflate tires to the correct pressure and check the brake pads and other components for wear or deterioration. 

2. Refill and Connect

• Add Fresh Fuel: Opens in new tabAdd a small amount of fresh fuel to the tank and consider including a bottle of fuel injector or carburetor cleaner. 
• Install a Fresh Battery: Opens in new tabA drained or old battery is a common issue, so charge the current one or replace it with a new one. 

3. Start the Engine 

• Attempt to Start: Give the key a turn and crank the engine. It may take several attempts for the fuel pump to prime the system and the engine to start. 
• Monitor for Issues: Once it starts, let it warm up while keeping a close eye out for any leaks. Check that the coolant is circulating and the thermostat is opening. 
• Test Drive: Once the engine is warm and you don’t see any leaks, perform a thorough test drive and check all lights and signals are working properly. 

This video demonstrates how to lubricate the cylinders before starting the engine: 56sCaddy DaddyYouTube · Mar 15, 2024

Which is the correct way to start a car engine?

Start. And you might notice some lights flash briefly on the dashboard.

What are the 7 steps before you start your car?

To start a car, you must 1) fasten your seatbelt, 2) insert the key (or be in the car for push-button start) and 3) ensure the car is in Park/Neutral with the parking brake engaged. Then, 4) apply pressure to the brake (automatic) or clutch (manual) pedal, 5) turn the key to the start position or press the Start/Stop button, and 6) keep cranking until the engine starts. Finally, 7) release the key or button and allow the engine to run smoothly.
 
For a car with a traditional key ignition:

1. Fasten your seatbelt: This is a crucial safety step for all driving. 
2. Insert the key: Place the key into the ignition, often located on the steering column. 
3. Check for safety: Ensure the gear selector is in Park (P) for an automatic or Neutral (N) for a manual, and firmly engage the parking brake. 
4. Press the pedal: Press down on the brake pedal (automatic) or the clutch pedal (manual). 
5. Turn the key: Turn the key to the “START” position to crank the engine. 
6. Start the engine: Release the key once the engine starts running. 
7. Confirm it’s running: Check that the engine is operating smoothly and release the parking brake slowly. 

For a car with a push-button start:

1. Fasten your seatbelt: Ensure your seatbelt is securely fastened. 
2. Get in the car: Sit in the driver’s seat. 
3. Press the brake: Apply firm pressure to the brake pedal. 
4. Press the start button: Press the engine start/stop button. 
5. Release the button: The engine will crank automatically. 
6. Keep the button pressed: Continue to hold the button for a moment until the engine fires up. 
7. Confirm it’s running: Allow the engine to run smoothly and then disengage the parking brake. 

What are the five steps to start your engine?

How to Start a Car

• Step 1: Acquire Car.
• Step 2: Determine Key to Start Car.
• Step 3: Gain Entry to Vehicle.
• Step 4: Insert Key Into Ignition.
• Step 5: Turn Key Clockwise Until Engine Starts to Turn.