Audi Q5 Start Stop Not Working

When driving in urban environments, the Audi Q5 / Audi SQ5 engine start stop system helps to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. When start stop mode is active, the engine shuts off automatically when the vehicle has stopped and will automatically restart when required. Important driver assist systems such as power steering and the brake booster function remain active when the engine is in standby.


The Audi Q5 engine start stop system is activated by default upon each engine start and requires the driver to manually deactivate the system is desired. You can determine to some extent whether engine auto stop activates by how hard you press the brake pedal. If for example you stop at a junction and lightly press the brake pedal, the engine will not stop.

Basic Requirements for Audi Q5 Start Stop

Audi Q5 Engine Stop Light
Audi Q5 Engine Stop Light

When your Audi Q5 start stop system inhibits the engine and enters standby mode, the green symbol displays on the dashboard. Depending on the driving situation, the engine may stop before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. The requirements for your Audi Q5 engine start stop system to work correctly are:

  • Driver’s door and bonnet / hood must be closed.
  • For gear lever selector positions, ‘P’, ‘D’, ‘D/S’ and ‘N’ must be engaged. Engine standby also occurs in manual mode.
  • Avoid turning the steering wheel to far in either direction.
  • The Audi Q5 Mk 1 must have been driven faster than 2.5 mph (4 km/h). 2 mph (3 km/h) for the Mk 2.
  • A trailer must not be hitched.
  • The engine should restart automatically when you remove your foot from the brake pedal.

Audi Q5 Start Stop Not Working

Audi Q5 Engine Stop Prevented Warning Light
Audi Q5 Engine Stop Prevented Warning Light

Certain conditions must be met in order for engine stop to initiate. For example, if power usage is high, then engine stop will not take place and the yellow engine stop prevented warning light will display. The engine will not be switched off during the following conditions:

  • The engine is too cold and has not yet reached the minimum required temperature for start stop to initiate.
  • Engine coolant temperature is too hot or too cold. This is usually within the region of below 10°C or above 100°C.
  • Automatic gearbox transmission fluid is too cold or too hot. This is usually within the region of below 0°C or above 118°C
  • The temperature set for the A/C has not yet been reached.
  • The outside temperature is extremely low or high. This is usually between the below -5°C or above 35°C temperature that may prevent engine stop.
  • The windscreen is currently being defrosted.
  • The parking system has been activated.
  • Battery charge level is too low. This is one of the most common reasons for engine stop prevention. Car batteries that are below 75% to 80% state of charge will typically prevent engine auto stop.
  • The steering wheel has been stopped at a sharp angle or the steering wheel has been moved.
  • Reverse gear has been engaged.
  • The vehicle has stopped on a steep incline. This is usually around the 10% mark.
  • Diesel particulate filter is being cleaned.
  • Time between automatic stops has not been long enough. Usually around the 2 seconds mark.
  • Pressure insufficient in regards to brake booster.
More about the Audi Q5
Link Audi Q5 / SQ5 Dashboard Warning Lights
Link Audi Q5 / SQ5 tyre pressure system reset
Link Audi Q5 / SQ5 key battery change guide
Link Audi Q5 / SQ5 stop start not working