How to Activate Start & Stop on the Audi Q3

The start & stop function is designed to improve fuel efficiency by reducing emissions by temporarily shutting off the engine when it is not needed. The start-stop system activates automatically when you turn on the ignition; it can also be manually turned on or off by pressing the button on the gear selector in the center console.

A red bar will light up, and a message will appear on the instrument cluster. For the start-stop system to operate, certain conditions must be met: the driver's door and trunk must be closed; the driver's seatbelt must be fastened; the transmission must be in position P, N, or D; the steering wheel must be straight and not turned to the right or left; no trailer should be attached to the vehicle.

With all these criteria met, the system will function as intended: when stopped, press and hold the brake pedal, and the start-stop indicator light will appear on the instrument cluster; once the engine is off, it can restart at any time to meet the power demands of the system.

When the driver's foot is lifted from the brake pedal or the steering wheel is turned even slightly, the engine restarts.

If the start-stop system has turned off the engine and the driver unbuckles the seatbelt and opens the driver's door, the engine will remain off, and the electronic parking brake will engage; if the driver's door is closed and the seatbelt is fastened again, the engine will restart, and the parking brake will release when the accelerator is pressed.

Various conditions can affect the activation of the system, such as outside temperature, inside temperature, and battery charge; for example, if conditions do not allow the system to activate and the engine remains running, the start-stop symbol on the instrument cluster turns white with a diagonal line crossing it; multiple short stops may cause temporary deactivation until the system is back to optimal activation conditions.

When the start-stop system is active, it can help increase fuel savings while also reducing emissions.