Starting the car

Updated 05/02/2022

The car is started using the start button beside the steering wheel when the key is in the passenger compartment.

P6-1746-XC40-engine start button — Start button location.

Warning

Before starting:

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

The key is not physically used when starting the car since it is equipped with support for keyless starting (Passive start).

To start the car:

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.

The key must be inside the car. For cars with Passive Start, the key needs to be located in the front part of the passenger compartment. With the option for keyless locking/unlocking* of the car, the key can be anywhere in the car.

Hold the brake pedal depressed1 fully. For cars with automatic gear changing, make sure that gear position P or N is selected. For cars with a manual gearbox, make sure that the gear lever is in neutral position or that the clutch pedal is depressed.

Press the start button.

When the engine is started, the starter motor works until the engine is started or until its overheating protection triggers2.

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 button has been pressed, the electric motor has "started" and the car is ready to move. 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 Car key not found message is shown in the driver display when starting, place the key by the back-up reader. Then try to start the car again.

P6-1746-XC40-Storing key/backup reader — Backup reader's location.

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 in the driver display when starting, wait until the message disappears and then try to start the car again.

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.

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.