Starting the car

The car is started using the remote control key and the start knob in the tunnel console.
P5-1507-Start/switch off engine
Start knob in the tunnel console.

The remote control key is not physically used when starting the car since the car 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 keyless locking/unlocking option (Passive Entry*), the key can be anywhere in the car.
For cars with automatic gear changing, make sure that gear position P or N is selected. For cars with manual gear changing, make sure that the gear lever is in neutral position and that either the clutch pedal or the brake pedal is depressed.
Depress the brake pedal fully1.
Turn the start knob to START and 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 towards START, 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 to START.
The text Remove charge cable to start appears in the driver display.
Turn the START knob again.
The text Charge cable removed? Press start button 7s to start appears, at which point, hold the knob at START for 7 seconds to start the car.
P5- XC90H-1617 Backup start place in tunnel console
Backup reader's location in the tunnel console.

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

 Note

When the remote control key is placed in the cup holder, make sure that no other car keys, metal objects or electronic apparatus (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, laptops or chargers) are in the cup holder. Several car keys close to each other in the cup holder can 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, then you simply need to turn the start knob towards START to start the engine.