Starting the car

Updated 11/17/2023

The car is started using the ignition dial in the tunnel console when a key is in the car.

Warning

Before starting:

Fasten the seatbelt.
Adjust the seat, steering wheel and mirrors.
Make sure that the brake pedal can be fully depressed.

Important

The car cannot be started if the charging cable is still connected. Make sure the charging cable is unplugged and the charging hatch is closed before the starting the car.

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

Make sure the key is in the car1.

Put the seatbelt on.

Depress the brake pedal.2.

Turn the start knob clockwise and release it.

The car starts and the ignition dial automatically returns to its original position.

Change gear to D or R.

If One Pedal Drive is activated, the car will drive in the selected driving direction when the brake pedal is released, provided that the car is not facing uphill.

If One Pedal Drive is deactivated, the car will be held stationary until the accelerator pedal is depressed.

Note

For diesel-engined cars, there may be a slight delay before starting is initiated.

Important

If the engine fails to start after 3 attempts - wait for 3 minutes before making a further attempt. Starting capacity increases if the battery is allowed to recover.

When the engine is started, the starter motor works until the engine is started or until its overheating protection triggers3.

When starting in normal conditions, the car's electric drive motor is prioritised - the petrol engine remains switched off. This means that after the start knob has been turned clockwise, the electric motor has ”started” and the car is ready to drive. A started car is indicated by the driver display's indicator lamps extinguishing and its preset theme illuminating.

However there are situations where the petrol engine is started instead e.g. in the event of the temperature being too low or if the hybrid battery needs charging.

Error messages

If the message Car key not detected is shown, place the key by the back-up reader. Then try to start the car again.

P5-2122-SPA Backup start place in tunnel console — Backup reader's location in the tunnel console.

Note

When the key is positioned by the back-up reader, make sure that there are no keys, metal objects or electronic apparatus by the back-up reader, (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, computers or chargers). Several keys close to one another by the back-up reader may cause interference with each other.

If the message Car start System check, wait is shown, wait until the message disappears and then try to start the car again.

Note

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

Warning

Never remove the key from the car while driving.

Warning

Always take the key out from the car when leaving the car and make sure the car's electrical system is in ignition position 0 – especially if there are children in the car.

Note

The idling speed can be noticeably higher than normal for certain engine types during cold starting. This is done in order that the emissions system can reach normal operating temperature as quickly as possible, which minimises exhaust emissions and protects the environment.