Starting 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
![P5-21w22-Start/stop switch](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/imgf6b84e2b04115720c0a80152345ac188_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
Important
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](https://www.volvocars.com/images/support/imgea32dbd5047f1418c0a80152607f9a10_1_--_--_VOICEpnghigh.png?imwidth=1280)
Note
If the message Car start System check, wait is shown, wait until the message disappears and then try to start the car again.