Audi A8   Controls   Driving  Start/stop system
Instrument cluster: Engine stop temporarily unavailable
Fig. 1 Instrument cluster: Engine stop temporarily unavailable
The on-board control system can override the start/stop function for various reasons.
Engine does not switch off
Before each stop phase, the system checks that certain conditions have been met. The engine will not switch off in the following situations, for example.
  • The engine has not yet reached the minimum temperature required for start/stop mode.
  • The interior temperature selected on the air conditioner has not yet been reached.
  • The exterior temperature is very high/low.
  • The windscreen is being defrosted Link.
  • The parking aid* or park assist* is switched on.
  • The battery charge is too low.
  • The steering wheel is close to full lock or the vehicle is being steered.
  • Reverse gear has just been selected.
  • The vehicle is on a steep gradient.
At the same time, an indicator lamp Fig. 1 will appear in the info line of the instrument cluster display.
Engine cuts in again automatically
The stop phase is interrupted in the following situations, for example. The engine cuts in automatically without intervention from the driver.
  • The interior temperature deviates from the air conditioner setting.
  • The windscreen is being defrosted Link.
  • The brake pedal is pressed several times in succession.
  • The battery charge drops to an insufficient level.
  • The power consumption is high.
Ignition is switched off automatically
To prevent the battery from being discharged, the ignition will be switched off automatically if certain conditions are met. For instance:
  • The vehicle has already been driven.
  • The start/stop system has switched off the engine.
  • The driver's door is opened.
  • The driver's seat belt is unbuckled.
  • The brake pedal is not pressed.
  • The vehicle is stationary.
If the dipped beam headlights are switched on in this case, the side lights will be turned on instead. After approx. 30 minutes, or when you lock the vehicle, the side lights will be switched off.
If the start/stop system has not stopped the engine or if you have switched off the start/stop system manually, the engine will continue running and the ignition will not be switched off automatically WARNING!.
WARNING!
Never run the engine in confined spaces. The exhaust gases are toxic – risk of poisoning!
Note
If you select D, N or S after selecting reverse gear, the car must have been moving at over 10 km/h before the system can switch off the engine again.

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