Starting the vehicle

Updated 2024-10-17

The vehicle can be started using the start knob in the tunnel console when a key is in the passenger compartment.

Warning

Before starting:

Buckle your seat belt.
Adjust the seat, steering wheel and mirrors.
Make sure you can fully depress the brake pedal.

Important

The vehicle cannot be started if the charging cable is still plugged in. Make sure that the charging cable is removed and the charger cover is closed before starting the vehicle.

P5-21w22-Start/stop switch — Start knob in the tunnel console.

Make sure the key is in the vehicle1.

Fasten your seat belt.

Depress the brake pedal2.

Turn the start knob clockwise and release.

The vehicle starts and the start knob returns automatically to its original position.

Put the gear selector in position D or R.

If One Pedal Drive is activated, the vehicle will drive in the selected direction of travel when the brake pedal is released, provided that the car is not on an uphill slope.

If One Pedal Drive is deactivated, the vehicle is kept stationary until the accelerator pedal is depressed.

Important

If the engine has not responded after 3 attempts – wait for 3 minutes before starting a new attempt. Starting capability increases if the starter battery is given time to recover.

The starter motor will crank until the engine starts or until overheating protection is triggered3.

During normal start conditions, the vehicle's electric motor will be prioritized and the gasoline engine will remain off. This means that once the start knob is turned clockwise, the electric motor has been "started" and the vehicle is ready to be driven. The warning and information symbols in the instrument panel will go out and the selected theme will be displayed to indicate that the electric motor is activated.

In some situations such as in cold weather or if the hybrid battery's charge level is too low the gasoline engine will start instead.

Error messages

If the Car key not detected message is shown at start, place the key at the backup reader and then make a new start attempt.

P5-2122-SPA Backup start place in tunnel console — Location of the backup reader in the tunnel console.

Note

When the key is placed in the backup reader, make sure that no other keys, metal objects or electronic devices (e.g. cellular phones, tablets, laptops or chargers) are in the backup reader. Multiple keys close to each other in the backup reader can disrupt their functionality.

If Vehicle start System check, wait is displayed, wait until the message disappears and try again to start the vehicle.

Note

The vehicle cannot be started if the hybrid battery is discharged.

Warning

Never remove the key from the vehicle while driving.

Warning

Always remove the key from the passenger compartment when you leave the vehicle and make sure the ignition is in mode 0.
Always put the gear selector in P and apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle. Never leave the vehicle unsupervised while the engine is running.
Always open the garage door fully and make sure that ventilation is very good before starting the engine in a garage. The exhaust fumes produced by the vehicle contain carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless but very toxic.

Important

When starting in cold weather, the automatic transmission may shift up at slightly higher engine speeds than normal until the automatic transmission fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
Do not race a cold engine immediately after starting. This could prevent fluids from properly lubricating vital components in the engine before it has reached the proper operating temperature.
The engine should be idling when the gear selector is moved. Never accelerate until the gear is fully engaged. Accelerating rapidly before a gear is properly engaged could lead to harder wear of components.
To help prevent the transmission oil from overheating, select P or N when idling at a standstill for prolonged periods of time.

Note

With a cold start, idling speed may be considerably higher than normal for certain engine types. This is done to get the emissions system up to normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which minimizes exhaust emissions and protects the environment.

Warning

Never use more than one inlay mat at a time on the driver's floor. If any other type of floor mat is used, remove the original mat from the driver's seat floor before driving. All types of mats must be securely anchored in the attachment points in the floor. Make sure the floor mat does not impede the movement of the brake pedal or accelerator pedal in any way, as this could be a serious safety hazard.
Volvo's floor mats are specially manufactured for your vehicle. They must be properly secured in the attachment points in the floor to help ensure they cannot slide and become trapped under the pedals.