Starting the engine and driving

Preparing for a car trip

Before starting the engine and moving the vehicle, always make an external visual inspection of it. Make sure that the movement of the car is not obstructed, that all windows and lighting lenses are clean. Check the condition of the tires and the air pressure in them. Also check the windshield washer fluid level. Make sure there are no oil or water stains on the ground under the engine and transmission components.

Regularly, in accordance with the Maintenance Schedule (see chapter 1) check engine fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake/clutch fluid).

Once in the driver's seat, do the following:

• Close all doors and block their locks;
• Adjust seat and head restraints (see Section 12), steering column and door mirrors (see Section 17);
• Make sure that the external lighting devices are working properly;
• Check up serviceability of functioning of elements of a combination of devices;
• Make sure that the control lamps and indicator lights in the instrument cluster work properly when the ignition is turned on (see Section 16);
• Set the operating mode of the audio system, ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems in advance, and close the covers of all glove boxes.
• Fasten your seat belt and make sure all passengers follow suit.
• Before driving off, do not forget to release the parking brake - make sure that the corresponding control lamp is turned off (see Section 16).

Requirements for the physical condition of the driver

Do not drive while intoxicated, as alcohol dulls the perception of external influences, reduces the reaction and disrupts the coordination of movements.


Do not drive if you are taking medication that reduces alertness or makes you sleepy, or if you are sick, overexcited, or tired.

Engine starting

Follow the procedures below to start the engine:

• a) Engage the parking brake;
• b) Engage neutral (RKPP) / move the selector lever to position «R» or «N» (AT). On models equipped with the Easytronic robotic gearbox, the engine can only be started when the lever is in the position «N»;
• c) On diesel models, turn the key in the ignition switch to position II and wait for the preheat indicator lamp to turn off (see Section 16);
• d) On models equipped with a manual transmission, depress the clutch pedal to facilitate starting the engine;
• e) On models equipped with AT and Easytronic, depress the foot brake pedal;
• f) Without depressing the gas pedal, turn the key in the ignition to the right until it stops (position III). As soon as the engine starts, immediately release the key;
• g) If starting fails within 10 seconds or if the engine stalls again, wait at least 30 seconds while removing the ignition key and restart as above;
• h) On petrol models at unstable speeds (e.g. misfires) to avoid failure of the catalytic converter (see Section 28) try to run the engine only for a short time and avoid heavy loads. Diagnose engine control systems without delay using special equipment and repair the problem;
• i) On diesel models, if the mixture is erratic, hold the starter key until the engine starts at a steady speed, but no more than 20 seconds. If during this time the engine does not start, remove the key from the ignition, then repeat the procedure for warming up and starting the engine (see above). Note: If the fuel in the tank is completely used up, then the process of starting after refueling takes much longer (up to 1 minute), - in this case, air is removed from the fuel system (see Chapter 1, Section 8);
• j) Do not crank the engine with the starter for more than 30 seconds in a row, otherwise the starter may fail;
• k) If starting the engine is difficult at very low or very high ambient temperatures, use the gas pedal to facilitate starting;
• l) In summer, in hot weather, when starting the engine within 30 minutes after it has stopped, it must be started with the gas pedal fully depressed;
• m) Let the engine idle for at least 30 seconds before starting off. To warm up the engine gradually, start at moderate speeds, especially in cold weather.

Note: When warmed up, the engine runs in fast idle mode - be careful when pulling away. As the engine warms up, the RPMs decrease.