Starting the car

The car is started using the start knob in the tunnel console when the remote control key is in the passenger compartment.

P5-OM-ALL-Start/stop switch
Start knob in the tunnel console.

 Warning

Before starting:

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

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

To start the car:
The remote control 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.
Turn the start knob clockwise and then release it. The control automatically returns to its starting position.

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

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.

The car should not be started with the charging cable connected but in the cases when it cannot be unplugged, or the car incorrectly detects the charging cable, it is possible to force start the car:

Depress the brake pedal and turn the start knob clockwise.
The text Charge cable Remove before start appears in the driver display.
Turn the start knob clockwise again.
The text Removed? Turn and hold start knob 7s appears, at which point, turn the knob clockwise and hold it for 7 seconds to start the car.
P5-1717-HYBRID-Backup start place in tunnel console
Backup reader's location in the tunnel console.

If the Car key not found message is shown in the driver display when starting, place the remote control key by the backup reader. Then try to start the car again.

 Note

When the remote control key is positioned by the backup reader, make sure that there are no car keys, metal objects or electronic apparatus by the backup reader, (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, laptops or chargers). Several car keys close to one another by the backup 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 remote control key from the car while driving.

 Warning

Always take the remote control 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.
  1. * Option/accessory.
  2. 1 If the car is moving, the engine can be started by turning the start knob clockwise.