124 Starting-off and Driving
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Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature - risk of damaging the
engine!
Starting the engine
General
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Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter should not be
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
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Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the position
P or N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the handbrake firmly before
For the sake of the environment
starting the engine.
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away.
Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the
pollutant emissions are lower.
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The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine which
means that the starter only has to crank the engine.
Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
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to the starter.
Petrol engines
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve
clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel/air
mixture for every external air temperature.
If the engine does not start ...
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Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒ page 252.
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start
right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
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It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒ page 258.
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒ page 256.
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WARNING
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator
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Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust
after the engine has started.
gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death.
Diesel engines
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Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being
controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside temper-
ature.
Caution
3
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The starter may only be operated (ignition key position A), if the engine is not
running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching off the engine, the
starter or the engine can be damaged.
The preglow indicator light comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
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