1998 Chevrolet Prizm Owner's Manual - Page 91

Starting Your Engine Automatic Transaxle Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won't start in any other position -- that's a safety feature. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Starting Your 1.8 Liter Engine 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine getswarm. NOTICE: Holding your key in START longer than for 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. 2. If it doesn't start in three seconds, wait about 15 seconds and try again to start the engineby turning the ignition key to START. Waitabout 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. When your engine has run about 10 seconds to warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Don't "race" your engine when it's cold. I NOTICE: Don't try to shift to PARK (P) your Chevrolet if is moving. If you you could damage the do, transaxle, Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. Manual Transaxle The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL (N) and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won't start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down -- that's a safety feature. If the weather is below freezing (32"F or O'C), let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. 2-13