Starting the engine on a car with automatic transmission (automatic transmission) It just seems like a simple procedure. In practice, even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes that reduce the life of the transmission or lead to breakdowns. In this article we will analyze not only the basic sequence of actions, but also the nuances: how to properly start a car with Automatic transmission in winter, what to do if the starter does not work, and why you cannot ignore the position of the selector when starting.
The peculiarity of automatic transmissions is their dependence on torque converter and an electronic control unit. Improper starting can cause increased wear on parts or even block the transmission. For example, trying to start the engine in D (Drive) instead P (Parking) is one of the most common errors that leads to a shock to the transmission. We will tell you how to avoid such situations and extend the life of your car.
Preparing to start: what needs to be done before turning the key
Before inserting the key into the ignition, follow these required steps. This applies to both new and used cars with Automatic transmission - from Toyota Corolla up to Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
First, make sure that gear selector is in position P (Parking). This locks the drive wheels and prevents the vehicle from accidentally moving. On some models (for example, Honda CR-V) startup is also possible in the mode N (Neutral), but manufacturers recommend using it P for safety.
- 🔑 Check that the ignition key is inserted all the way (on models with a button Start/Stop — that the key fob is in the cabin).
- 🚗 Make sure that the brake pedal is not pressed (unless required to unlock the steering wheel).
- 🔋 Turn off all energy consumers: headlights, air conditioning, radio. This will reduce the load on the battery.
- 🔄 If the car was parked in the cold, allow time for the battery to warm up (10-15 seconds after turning on the ignition).
On vehicles with keyless entry system (for example, BMW 5 Series or Lexus RX) Before starting, make sure that the key fob is within the antenna coverage area. If the indicator on the dashboard flashes yellow, the system does not recognize the key and the engine will not start.
On some models Hyundai/Kia (for example, Hyundai Tucson 2020+) if the battery charge is low, the system may block the start. In this case, recharging or “lighting up” from another car will help.
Step-by-step instructions: how to start a car with automatic transmission
Now let's move on to the main process. Follow these instructions regardless of the make of your car - be it Volkswagen Passat or Ford Explorer:
- Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to position
ON(or click the button Start/Stop without pressing the pedal if you only need to turn on the electronics). Wait until all warning lights on the instrument panel go out (usually 1-2 seconds). - Press the brake pedal all the way. On most modern cars (for example, Mazda CX-5) the start lock is activated if the pedal is not pressed.
- Check selector position - he must be in
PorN. Running in other modes (D,R) will cause jerking and damage to the box. - Turn the key to position
START(or click the button Start/Stop with the brake pedal pressed). Hold the key for no longer than 3-4 seconds. If the engine does not start, pause for 10 seconds before trying again.
After a successful launch, do not rush to immediately start moving. Let the engine idle for 10–30 seconds (up to 1 minute in winter). This is necessary for even distribution of oil in Automatic transmission and warming up the torque converter.
Selector lever in position P|Brake pedal pressed|All power consumers are turned off|The key is inserted all the way-->
Starting a car with automatic transmission in winter: features and errors
The cold season adds challenges. The main problem is thickened oil in the box and a battery that loses up to 50% of its capacity at −20°C. If you do not take these factors into account, you may end up with the starter spinning “sluggishly” or the engine stalling immediately after starting.
Here's what to do when starting in cold weather:
- ❄️ Before turning the key, turn on the high beam for 10-15 seconds - this will warm up the electrolyte in the battery.
- ⚙️ After starting, let the engine idle at least 1–2 minutes (even if you really need to go). This is critical for CVTs (for example, Nissan Qashqai with CVT), where cold oil can cause the belt to slip.
- 🚫 Do not press the gas pedal when starting - modern injection engines do not require “gas boosting”. This will only increase the load on the starter.
- 🔋 If the battery is discharged, do not try to start the car “until the end”. After 3-4 unsuccessful attempts, take a break for 5 minutes.
A mistake many drivers make is trying to drive off immediately after starting. B Automatic transmission Oil at −15°C and below becomes viscous, and if it is not allowed to warm up, this will lead to accelerated wear of friction clutches and solenoids. On the dashboard of some cars (for example, Audi A6) there is even a separate oil temperature indicator in the box - rely on it.
Always, at least 2–3 minutes|Only if it’s very cold|Never, I go right away|Depends on the car model-->
What to do if a car with automatic transmission does not start
If the starter does not respond or the engine does not start, the reasons may vary from a dead battery to a faulty immobilizer. Let's look at typical situations and solutions:
| Symptom | Possible reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The starter does not turn, the dashboard does not light up | Battery is discharged or disconnected | Check the terminals, charge the battery or “light it” from another car |
| The starter turns, but the engine does not start | No spark or fuel (malfunction of spark plugs, fuel pump) | Check the fuses, listen to the fuel pump (buzzing noise when the ignition is turned on) |
| The engine starts and immediately stalls | Faulty crankshaft or throttle position sensor | Diagnostics with a scanner is required (for example, ELM327) |
| The immobilizer icon is lit on the dashboard (car with key) | The system does not recognize the key or a failure in the control unit | Try the second key, reset the error by disconnecting the battery for 5 minutes |
If the problem is immobilizer, on some vehicles (for example, Renault Duster) the following procedure helps:
- Insert the key into the ignition.
- Turn it to position
ONand wait 10 minutes (until the immobilizer indicator goes out). - Turn off the ignition, remove the key, then restart.
What to do if the automatic transmission selector is locked in position P?
If the selector lever does not move from the position P, the cause may be a malfunction of the locking solenoid or low voltage in the on-board network. Try:
1. Press the brake pedal harder.
2. Rock the steering wheel left and right (sometimes the locking is triggered due to the load on the steering rack).
3. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to position ON without starting the engine - this can reset the lock.
If that doesn't help, check the interlock fuse (usually F20 or F25 in the fuse box).
Common mistakes when starting an automatic engine
Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes that eventually lead to serious damage. Here are the most dangerous of them:
- 🚫 Run in mode
DorR. This causes a shock to the transmission as the box tries to transfer torque to the wheels. The consequences are wear of the torque converter bushings or breakdown of the planetary gear. - 🚫 Holding the key in position for a long time
START(more than 5 seconds). This overheats the starter and drains the battery. On modern cars (for example, Skoda Octavia) the electronic control unit may block the start after 3-4 long attempts. - 🚫 Ignoring dashboard signals. For example, a burning lamp
AT(Automatic Transmission) may indicate a low oil level in the box. Running in this case will make the problem worse. - 🚫 Sharp pressure on the gas immediately after starting. This leads to increased load on a cold engine and gearbox, and is especially harmful for CVTs.
Another common mistake is using mode N (Neutral) for towing. Many people think that in this position it is possible to start the car “with a pusher”. In fact, it threatens to fail torque converter, since the box pump does not work without the engine running. If the battery is dead, it is better to use jumper cables or tow the car with the drive axle suspended.
Starting the engine in D or R - the most destructive error for an automatic transmission. Even a single impact can dislodge the planetary gears, leading to costly repairs.
Features of launching on different car models
Although the general launch principle is the same, some brands have their own nuances. For example:
- 🔧 Toyota Camry (2018+): On models with the system Smart Key The engine can only be started with the brake pedal fully depressed. If the pedal is not pressed all the way, the system will generate an error
"Check Brake System". - 🔧 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205): At low temperatures, the system may require you to press the brake pedal twice before starting as a safety measure against accidental activation.
- 🔧 Ford Focus (3rd generation): If the battery is low, the system may prevent starting until the voltage rises to 11.5V. In this case, recharging or replacing the battery will help.
- 🔧 Nissan X-Trail (with CVT): After starting in cold weather, it is recommended to switch the selector 2-3 times between
PandNto circulate oil through the system.
On hybrid vehicles (eg Toyota Prius) the starting process is different: the internal combustion engine may not start immediately, since the electric motor works first. Don't be alarmed if after clicking Power You can’t hear the sound of the engine running - this is normal.
If you are the owner of a car with robotic box (for example, Volkswagen DSG), remember: start in mode N may be dangerous. On some models this leads to clutch rupture due to lack of pressure in the hydraulic drive. Always use P.
How to extend the life of an automatic transmission: tips for starting and operating
Proper starting is only part of automatic transmission care. To avoid costly repairs, follow these recommendations:
- 🔄 Check regularly automatic transmission oil level (every 10–15 thousand km). On most cars (except BMW with a “maintenance-free” box) you can do this yourself using a dipstick.
- 🛢️ Change the oil in the box every 60–80 thousand km (even if the manufacturer claims that it is “for the entire service life”). For CVTs (for example, Mitsubishi Outlander) reduce the interval to 40–50 thousand km.
- 🚗 Avoid prolonged slipping (for example, in snow or mud). This leads to overheating of the oil and wear of the clutches.
- 🔧 If the car has been parked for a long time (more than 2 weeks), before starting, check whether the wheels are jammed. Sometimes brake pads “stick” to the discs.
Pay special attention the first signs of automatic transmission malfunction:
- Jerks when changing gears.
- Burning smell from the oil (indicates overheating of the clutches).
- Noise or vibration in neutral.
- Oil leakage from under the box (check the parking area for stains).
If you notice at least one of these symptoms, contact the service. Repairing an automatic transmission at an early stage is several times cheaper than replacing the transmission.
The most common cause of automatic transmission breakdowns is oil overheating. Regularly checking the level and quality of the oil (it should be light, without metal particles) will help avoid 80% of problems.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about starting the engine automatically
Is it possible to start a car with an automatic transmission using a pushrod?
No, this is highly not recommended. Unlike a manual transmission, in an automatic transmission the oil pump only works when the engine is running. Without oil pressure, friction between parts increases, which can lead to jamming. If the battery is dead, use jump leads or tow the vehicle with the drive axle suspended.
Why can't you start the car with an automatic transmission in D or R mode?
In these modes, the gearbox is mechanically connected to the wheels. When the engine starts, there is a jerk that can damage torque converter or planetary gear. In addition, the machine may unexpectedly move forward or backward, which is dangerous for others.
How long does it take to warm up a car with an automatic transmission in winter?
The optimal time is 1–2 minutes at temperatures up to −10°C and 3–5 minutes at −20°C and below. The main thing is to wait until the idle speed stabilizes (stops “floating”). For CVTs (for example, Nissan Juke) warming up is especially important, since cold oil can cause the belt to slip.
What should I do if the AT (Automatic Transmission) light comes on after starting?
This indicates a problem with the gearbox. Possible reasons:
- Low oil level.
- Overheating of the box (for example, after prolonged slipping).
- Faulty solenoids or sensors.
Stop immediately and check the oil level. If the lamp continues to burn, contact service - further use may worsen the breakdown.
Is it possible to start a car with an automatic transmission without pressing the brake?
On most modern cars (after 2010), starting without pressing the brake pedal is impossible - this is a safety measure. On older models (for example, Toyota Corolla 2005) such a launch may be possible, but is highly not recommended: if the selector is accidentally in the D or R, the car will take off.