When you turn the key on, the instrument panel goes through some sort of self-test which ends with the tachometer going from 9000 down to zero. There is an accompanying electric motor whine under the hood (the fuel pump?). Is it bad to start the engine before this cycle is complete, or are you supposed to wait the three seconds until this activity ends before hitting the start button?

The manual says nothing about it. I tend to wait, but my guess would be it doesn't matter since in other cars people turn the key without pausing from "off" straight to cranking the starter.

 

i hold my start button down before i turn the key ^_^

 

I never thought of it. I turn the key and press the button.

 

I never thought of it either I just twist and push.

 

Probably doesn't matter, I always wait...

 

 

I keep looking for the start button when I drive other cars now......makes me laugh.

and I used to wait, but now I don't.

 

I turn the key, press the button then press the clutch to start it..

guess it's a foot petal start car for me..

 

The whirring is the Air pump running. It is under the drivers headlight.

 

i wait.. just cause i get caught up in staring at the tach test =P