He started the engine.

他启动发动机。

youdao

Once inside the car, he started the engine and turned the heater on high.

一坐进车里，他就发动了引擎，把暖气开到最大。

youdao

Abruptly he turned the ignition key and started the engine.

他突然转动了点火开关的钥匙，发动了引擎。

《柯林斯英汉双解大词典》

Once he was alone in the plane, a Cessna 172, he started the engine and took off without permission around 5 p.m.

CNN: Police: Tampa pilot voiced support for bin Laden

Justin Rogers, whose van was parked on Stafford Street, said he noticed there was something wrong with his vehicle when he started up the engine.

BBC: 150 cars have tyres slashed in Swindon

He tossed my bag onto the ground, slammed the door, and started the engine.

NEWYORKER: Hand on the Shoulder