Correct Way to Start the Engine

[sallyjc]

Hi there

Sorry for what seems like (and is!) a very basic question. But I have always wondered something.

When I turn the key on my 2005 X5 3.0 diesel, should I wait until all the lights on the dash board go out before I fully turn the key and start the car?

There is nothing wrong with the car, it's just something I wondered about.

Thanks!!

Sally

[Horizon]

I never waited for the heater plugs to heat up, just got in turned the key and it always started first time.
The fuel injection system over fuels the car on start up to assist in starting.
There have been members on here who have had 3 or 4 faulty glow plugs , and only found that out after a routine scan. Also the X5 doe sent even perform a pre heat cycle if the car is over a certain temperature.

[Steamyrotter]

I have one glow plug gone and it starts (reasonably) ok.

One thing to note though.
Some of the electronics may not have booted up properly in the short amount of time before starting and may give rise to spurious issues..

I usually leave a slight pause before starting mine.

[CondorX5]

I always switch on and allow the electrics to settle  before firing up the engine, I think electronics can otherwise get in a bit of a muddle as they can be tetchy at times if the boot up is irregular.  A bit like an old style computer system, really, as thats the level of chip these vehicles use.

[Sanj]

[quote="sallyjc"]
When I turn the key on my 2005 X5 3.0 diesel, should I wait until all the lights on the dash board go out before I fully turn the key and start the car?
[/quote]

I do - if you can, let the glow plugs have a chance to initiate. I usually wait for the all the lights bar one go out (handbrake?) - no more than 8-10secs.

[B19CKM]

I would always let the Ecu do it's thing before starting the car, the plugs do take a second or two too get the engine temp up..
I think it would also reduce any premature wear on the engine/ignition and take the extra strain off the battery
::)

[Raj]

Let all the check controls take place on initial ignition before actually starting as the E53 as the electrics can be very temperamental.

[Jackstrath]

i get the pre-heating up on the dash , mainly the first start of the day if its cold out side , complelty normal a guess?

[X5Sport]

Correct.  Once the engine is even slightly warm the system may only turn the glow plugs on for a moment so you don't see the warning light.

R

[pvr]

We don't have a choice with the E70, only a button.

[X5Sport]

You do.  Put the key in, push the button without the brake and all the lights cycle.  Press the brake and 'Start' button and off you go...

R

[Turks]

I was under the impression that once you unlocked the car with the Fob, then the car 'woke up' and ran checks / start up of the electronics to avoid glitches.

As for the Glow Plugs, they would obviously not start doing anything until the Key was in the ignition and turned to position 1.


Turks.

[ChrisLux]

I always wait a short time , I turn the key to position 1 so all the lights come on , then turn round and put my
seat belt on , then fire her up after that , and never had any probs .

I've got 1 glowplug out , but it doesn't affect mine . The only time I get the pre-heat warning light come on is
when we get temps down to approx -5C over here .

[X5Sport]

[quote="Turks"]
I was under the impression that once you unlocked the car with the Fob, then the car 'woke up' and ran checks / start up of the electronics to avoid glitches.
Turks.
[/quote]

It appears not.  It only 'wakes' some functions but does not carry out a full check.  Possibly because of the power draw? 

Current models draw up to 60A doing checks and in 'radio ready' mode as BMW call it.  Could be that waking everything up just because you unlock the car results in a flat battery pronto....

Richard

[Steamyrotter]

Lets face it these don't ever need a reason to drain the battery..