Does it help to turn key "On" before starting?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,007
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Does it help to turn key "On" before starting?
Following advice posted here, I have always turned the ignition key to "on", waited for the electronics to stabilize (about 5 seconds), then over to "start". In 18,000 miles I have never had a single electronic problem- no active handling quirks, no goofy codes, no nothing. But now that my Valentine is hardwired, it goes through its test cycle when I turn the ignition to "on", and then again when I start the engine. All that tweeting from the V1 is annoying, and I am now putting two on/off cycles on the V1 every time I start the car, which may eventually shorten its life. How many of you guys with 2001 cars just go right to "start" (without pausing in "on") and are not having problems???
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 690
Likes: 1
From: Youngsville NC
Re: Does it help to turn key "On" before starting? (Gearhead Jim)
i dont turn the car right to start. i wait about 2 seconds for the fuel pump to fully prime and all the electronics to stabilize as you said. i feel its easier on the fuel and ignition stuff....jmo
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 31
From: Waco TX
Re: Does it help to turn key "On" before starting? (Gearhead Jim)
I do the same thing, and I am annoyed by the V1 going through its startup twice as well. The only solution is to either unplug the V1 or turn it off before start and on after starting. I don't know if letting the electronics "do their thing" before starting is actually beneficial or not, but it can't hurt, I don't think.
Michael
Michael
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 672
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale AZ
Re: Does it help to turn key "On" before starting? (EHS)
We just get in turn on the key and start the car. I don't think there is a 1/2 second delay ever.
No issues of anykind!
Either way works in our opinion. 38,000 miles to date.
:D
No issues of anykind!
Either way works in our opinion. 38,000 miles to date.
:D
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
Re: Does it help to turn key "On" before starting? (Gearhead Jim)
I can't believe people are waiting seconds to start their engines just to let the electronics do their thing. Never before heard of such a procedure except for diesel engines. :crazy:
Tom
[Modified by mozin, 10:28 PM 9/13/2001]
Tom
[Modified by mozin, 10:28 PM 9/13/2001]
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 534
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From: DECATUR ALABAMA
Re: Does it help to turn key "On" before starting? (Gearhead Jim)
I wait till the dic clears after talking w/ Sonny Kilgo after i had a column lock about 15 months ago. He suggested this. So for so good, 15,000 miles since and no problems.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Sagamore Hills OH
Re: Does it help to turn key "On" before starting? (stevenll)
I am not the authority on electrical systems or anything, but don't electrons travel at the speed of light? Electrons traveling at the speed of light for 5 seconds would cover a distance of 931,410 miles. I just start the car without waiting for electrons to do anything special.
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 204
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From: Ridgetop TN
Re: Does it help to turn key "On" before starting? (C5 Tweaker)
So I understand, the system won't fire the starter until it has cleared all of it's check list. I think it checks about 5000 things before it will start. Camshaft position, all piston positions, external temp, coolant temp, IAT, fuel level, transmission selector position, seat position, clutch/brake position, stock market position.
I also understand that you can't engage the starter with the engine running. I haven't been brave enough to try it but it would make sense.
I also understand that you can't engage the starter with the engine running. I haven't been brave enough to try it but it would make sense.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Sagamore Hills OH
Re: Does it help to turn key "On" before starting? (RedLandRocket)
I also understand that you can't engage the starter with the engine running. I haven't been brave enough to try it but it would make sense.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,188
Likes: 0
From: not speeding just flying low
Re: Does it help to turn key "On" before starting? (Yellow 01 Coupe)
I was too curious about the starter not engaging while the engine was running, so I tried it. It does not spin the starter, but the car goes through a gauge dance of some sort. Maybe it is telling you that you are an idiot for trying to start the car while it is already running. :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,292
Likes: 0
From: Md
Re: Does it help to turn key "On" before starting? (EHS)
wait until the bells and whistles stop. Also make sure that the radio, etc. are off. I use the idle time to fasten my seatbelt.
Same here :yesnod: I like to see the gauges do their 'sweep' :D
Same here :yesnod: I like to see the gauges do their 'sweep' :D
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: Does it help to turn key "On" before starting? (Gearhead Jim)
I have to laugh at this... no flame intended.. I was brought up as a child not to answer the telephone on the first ring.... seems weird huh.. I did this for like 20 years.. then one day I asked my mom.. why .. do you wait untill the second ring.. her answer " I dont know" ... funny how some things stick but have no real purpose..
I never wait for all that stuff to crank up... 38,000 miles no problems..
I never wait for all that stuff to crank up... 38,000 miles no problems..