Why does my Audi stop-start not always work?
Why is the stop-start on my Audi not working properly?
Tom Riordan (Loughrea)Feb 2014 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
If the stop-start system is not working ever then it's probably worth a trip to your Audi dealer to have it looked at, but bear in mind that there are plenty of conditions in which it will not operate and it may not be immediately obvious why. Here's Audi's official stance on it:
"The system is automatically activated when the ignition is switched on. If the driver doesn't want to use it, it can simply be switched off at the touch of a button.
"This is how it works: brake the car down to a standstill, shift into neutral and release the clutch. The system now switches off the engine and signals this via an indicator lamp. Depress the clutch before continuing the journey - the engine now starts automatically and the indicator lamp goes out again.
The start-stop function only works when...
- the driver's door and the bonnet are closed
- the driver is wearing a seat belt
- the vehicle has been driven at faster than 4km/h before stopping
- the vehicle is not pulling a trailer
In some cases the engine will not be switched off, for instance when...
- the engine temperature is still too low
- the difference between the interior temperature and the temperature selected via the air conditioning system is still too great
- the outside temperature is very high or very low
- the windscreen is being de-iced
- the optional parking aid or the optional park assist is activated
- the battery charge is too low
- the steering wheel is at a sharp angle or is being turned
- reverse gear is engaged
- the road is steep
The engine is started automatically by the system when...
- the vehicle rolls forward
- the windscreen is being de-iced
- there is a large difference between the interior temperature and the temperature selected via the air conditioning system
- the brake pedal has been depressed several times in succession
- the battery charge is too low
@Shane_O_D