Method and device for starting an internal combustion engine

A method for starting an engine system of a vehicle, comprising:

• in response to a start request, performing a starter-free starting method;
• testing whether the starter-free starting method leads to a successful start of the engine system, wherein the testing for the successful start is conducted by evaluating a rotary speed of the engine system;
• if the engine system is not successfully started using the starter-free starting method, automatically starting the engine system using a starter;
• if the start request is after a shutting down of the engine system, testing whether the rotary speed of the engine system is in a first specified range;
• if the rotary speed is in the first specified range, starting the engine system in a
• starter-free manner;
• and
• if the rotary speed of the engine system is in a second specified range, which is below the first specified range, starting the engine system by an immediate intervention of the starter.

A device for starting an engine system of a vehicle, comprising:

• an arrangement configured to perform a starter-free start of the engine system in response to a start request;
• a testing arrangement configured to test whether the starter-free start leads to a successful start of the engine system;
• and
• a switchover arrangement configured to automatically start the engine system using a starter if the test yields a negative result,
• wherein the testing for the successful start is conducted by evaluating at least one of a temperature of the engine system and a position of a crankshaft of the engine system so as to determine whether a cylinder of the engine system is in a working phase when the engine system is at a standstill.

A method for starting an engine system of a vehicle, comprising:

• in response to a start request, performing a starter-free starting method;
• testing whether the starter-free starting method leads to a successful start of the engine system;
• if the engine system is not successfully started using the starter-free starting method, automatically starting the engine system using a starter, wherein the testing for the successful start is conducted by evaluating at least one of an oil temperature of the engine system and a position of a crankshaft of the engine system;
• and
• in response to a start request after the engine system has been switched off and while the engine system is shutting down, starting the engine system using one of the starter-free starter method and the starter depending on a speed of the engine system.