A lot of new vehicle owners have this tricky question - how long should they hold that engine start button? While some are sure you just need to push it and release it quickly, others argue that the best tactic is to hold the button until the engine is on. Both options are possible depending on the vehicle you are sitting in.
Engine use tips highlights
- Level of importance:important
- When done:driving the vehicle, maintaining the engine
- Cost of mistake:$250 - $350
- How to avoid:read advice, read driver's manual
- Consequences:bad efficiency, shorter engine lifespan, engine problems
- DIY solutions:possible
The all-purpose guide to using the push start button in your car
Although different vehicles have various best ways of using the button, we have an all-purpose guide that will help you easily master the button's behavior in any modern car.
Just follow this simple procedure:
- Get into the car, close the doors, and fasten your seatbelt.
- Make sure the vehicle is in P or N - you can't start the car if it's in Drive or Reverse.
- Press the brake pedal so that your vehicle doesn't move anywhere when you start the engine.
- Locate the push start button - it may have some special light on it or it may not.
- Press the button and hold it until the engine is started.
- Release the button, put the vehicle in D or R, and start driving.
If you have the car with the manual transmission, make sure the transmission is in neutral and you are pressing the brake pedal firmly. Otherwise, the car won't start.
When you need to turn the engine off, just follow this simple guide:
- Stop the car with the help of your brake pedal.
- Put the transmission in Park or Neutral.
- Engage your handbrake if the vehicle is on some slope.
- Hold the brake pedal down and push the start button.
- Keep it until the engine is completely off.
- Release the brake pedal, and make sure the car doesn't move anywhere.
Now you know how exactly you should act and what you should do if your vehicle has the push start button instead of a key. But let's see if this scenario is perfect for all vehicles.
Different types of push-start buttons
So, most vehicle manufacturers use simple buttons that work directly. We mean while you are pushing the button, the contact is working and sending signals to the starter motor. Once you let the button go, the contact is lost and the starter motor doesn't work.
But some car manufacturers use a smarter system. The push of the button doesn't just send signals to the starter motor but lets the ECU know that you want to start the engine. The ECU then sends the needed signals to the starter motor and controls that the engine is started.
If you have the second option, you don't need to hold the push start button for some time until the engine finally starts. You just need to push it and release it in one second. You may still hold the button - it will not change anything. But there is no need to do it.
The same will work with the situation when you want to stop the engine.
You should just check which system is used in your vehicle. In most luxury cars, you will have the second option when you don't need to control the process of starting and can just release the button and have the result you want to have.
What can go wrong if you hold the button for too long?
Unfortunately, holding the push start button for too long can have negative effects on your vehicle. This will mean that the signal is sent to the starter motor even after the engine is started. If all the sensors and relays are working properly, this will not cause a lot of problems other than starter motor quick wear.
But if something works not so well, here are the possible consequences:
- the starter motor can wear too quickly and eventually fail;
- the starter gear that comes in contact with the flywheel may be damaged;
- the flywheel may be damaged;
- the engine may get stuck over the starter motor;
- the starter motor can remain rotating which will overheat it.
Better learn when you should release the push start button to avoid these issues. if done once or twice, this will not cause a lot of problems. But if you do this a couple of times a day, this may bring your starter motor to death.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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