How long to wait after starting engine in cold weather?

[KellyJ]

After the fan has stopped running and the rev's have dropped a couple hundred RPM is usually enough for me, unless its really cold out

 

[AlexJet]

Good visual point of warmed engine is when your temperature gauge enters the lower mark on the scale. I have Scangauge II and I found that at the edge of the scale it's 50C (122F) which is good for running engine and drive. Normal operating temperature is in the middle of scale 84C (184F).

When it's bellow 0C (32F) I always let it warm to 50C (122F).

 

[Even Steven]

I agree with everyone who said that they just idle long enough to ensure that the oil pressure is up and then drive gently until the vehicle reaches temperature.

The only difference for me is that I live just four miles from my job. On really cold days, I can drive to work without ever reaching normal operating temperature. So I'll either let the engine warm up a bit by idling before I drive off, or I'll sit in the parking lot at work and let it idle for a few minutes before I shut off the engine. Either way, the idea is to get the engine up to temperature to ensure that condensation inside the engine is burned off and doesn't end up contaminating the oil.

I've also noticed that the temperature gauge in my 4Runner will lower slightly on really cold days when it is sitting there idling. In other words, if the vehicle is at normal operating temp, the gauge willd drop a bit if I sit at idle for more than 3 or 4 minutes on a really cold day. Seems strange to me because none of my other vehicles has ever done that....

 

[p nut]

30 seconds MAX. And that's only in very very cold weather (zero or below). Other than that, just crank and drive. But drive slow and don't rev up too much. Drivetrain needs to be warmed up, too.

 

[Methodical]

I just left a hockey game. Temp was -25. Waited about 10 seconds and began leaving (I work in news so I had to get back to the station quick before everyone clogged up the parking area)... 4runner ran fine but the tranny shifted lazy and loose.

Also, when cold, it squeaks like crazy.

 

[muddy-in-ms]

Actually, waiting to let the engine warm up in a fuel-injected truck is a waste of time. Unless you have a diesel engine, you do not need a warm-up period. I do agree, however, that an exception need be made in below freezing weather. The fluids in your car do need to start a good circulation before taking off.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

In warm weather I just wait til the fluids get circulating but in sub zero temps I wait about a minute since it better for the tranny and engine to warm up together.

 

[TeryT]

And if yer using a good full synthetic, warming up is even less needed.

 

[snowbizx]

click on the remote start and wait 10-15 minutes from the comfort of my home or office - then it's nice and toasty inside. i don't care if the car needs warming... but I DO!

 

[SubSonic]

My warmup procedure time varies, so I couldn't really vote. I tend to let the engine run until the revs drop down a little bit from the initial startup - can be as little as 5-10 seconds in warm weather, up to a minute in really cold temps.

I figure this gives the oil pump time to slosh the oil around a bit on the internals before I drop her into gear and start off.

I let the truck finish come all the way up to operating temp while driving it easy, avoiding WOT until everything is up to spec. If your engine is up to temp, and you've driven a few miles, your tranny fluid and rear end grease should also be up to temp.

I will let the engine get to nearly full operating temp after startup if I am about to tow something though - and then I still will take it easy for the first little bit so that the tranny/rear end can also get up to temp before attempting any major hills or other higher rev towing maneuvers (since we don't tow in OD).

 

[Burt]

Hey, no "puffing" allowed. Around these parts, they acually patrol the neighborhoods looking for auto idling unattended and tag em.
Two reasons, pollution and many auto thefts result.
Me, I just idle until the fan clutch releases, approx. 30 seconds.

 

[Fiznar]

As long as the oil pump is moving lubricant, start driving. Take it easy until everything is warmed up. If you're REALLY that worried about extending the life of your vehicle as long as possible, you should be taking it easy even when its warmed up

 

[TeryT]

Nothing new under the sun - now how do I turn this thread off for good?!

 

[jspagna1]

You don't need to let it idle long at all. I just start and go. Although in the winter I do let it warm up more because I have a remote start.
They say just don't nail it full throttle till it reaches operating temperature.

 

[MikesToy]

I always warm up my engine (especially in the morning or after a long day's of work) before i start driving. I wait 'til it gets to about a tad shy below 1000rpm or when the temp needle starts to rise. That's just me. :

 

[t4rBeast]

I usually wait for at least a minute or wait until the rev meter decreases. The wife does it to!

 

[jd311]

have been told by many other mechanics that anything more than a minute is a waste but to develop enough oil pressure and get fresh oil to the valves and rockers it takes around 45 seconds. whatever viscosity and weight oil you use will matter too. to prolong the life of your motor let it warm up at least 45seconds

 

[Houston]

Straight out of my Toyota Owners manual for my 97 4runner


Normal starting procedure

"The multiport fuel injection system......

1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by turning the key to "START". Release it when the engine starts.

2.After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready to drive"

"Do not race a cold engine"

I let my engine idle for about 20-30 seconds (the time it takes for me the close my cracked windows,moon roof, click on my seatbelt and set my radio station. I normally do not get over 1/2 throttle or 3k rpms until the temperature is normal. By the time I get to the on ramp of the highway I'm at normal temperature.

 

[Methodical]

Straight out of my Toyota Owners manual for my 97 4runner


Normal starting procedure

"The multiport fuel injection system......

1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, crank the engine by turning the key to "START". Release it when the engine starts.

2.After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready to drive"

"Do not race a cold engine"

I let my engine idle for about 20-30 seconds (the time it takes for me the close my cracked windows,moon roof, click on my seatbelt and set my radio station. I normally do not get over 1/2 throttle or 3k rpms until the temperature is normal. By the time I get to the on ramp of the highway I'm at normal temperature.

Its worth noting that the 4th generations have the auto-crank feature, and the engine will continue to crank after you release the key. Here in alaska I've done a couple of negligent starts (starting at -45 without engine preheaters plugged in). The autocrank will continue for well over 5 seconds.... but I've never seen the engine not start even at such obscenely cold temperatures.