These instructions apply to the Audi Q3 Mk2 (F3) 2018-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Your Audi Q3 Mk2 (F3, 2018–present) switches the engine off at a standstill to save fuel. When you’d rather it stayed running — heavy traffic, a hot day, or before any under-bonnet work — one button switches it off.
The engine falling silent as you come to a stop is normal on the F3 Q3 — it’s the start/stop system saving fuel, not a stall. It restarts instantly as you release the brake (automatic) or press the clutch (manual). The “A”-in-arrow symbol in the driver display just shows the system is armed. Many owners are happy to leave it on; if you prefer the engine to stay running in traffic, a single press of the button switches it off for the drive.
How It Works on This Model
Start/stop only stops the engine once its conditions are met. In practice the Q3 wants the car fully stationary, a well-charged 12 V battery, a warm engine, and the cabin near its climate target. If the charge is low, the engine is still cold, the heater or air-conditioning is working hard, the steering is turned, or a slope is detected, it keeps the engine running instead. That’s deliberate: the system only auto-stops when it’s confident of a clean restart, which is why the stop sometimes doesn’t happen.
Before You Start
- You can switch start/stop off with the engine already running — no need to be stopped.
- Find the AⓇ button first so you can press it without hunting for it.
- If you’re about to open the bonnet, switch it off so the engine can’t restart on its own.
- The setting only lasts for the current drive, so press it early in the journey.
Turning Start/Stop Off
- Find the AⓇ button (an “A” circled by an arrow), usually near the gear selector or the dashboard switches.
- Press it once; the indicator confirms the system is off and the engine stays running at stops.
Why It’s On Again Next Time
The Q3 switches start/stop back on at every ignition cycle — there’s no permanent off from the factory. Tap the button once at the start of each drive if you don’t want it.
If the Engine Won’t Stop
If start/stop rarely triggers, it’s almost always an inhibit condition rather than a fault. On the Q3 the usual reasons are:
- A weak or under-charged 12 V battery — the most common cause, and the first thing to check.
- The engine hasn’t reached operating temperature on a short or cold-weather trip.
- The climate system is working hard to heat or cool the cabin.
- You’re stopped on a gradient, or the car isn’t fully at rest.
- The steering is turned, the demister is running, or the bonnet is open.
- On mild-hybrid versions the engine may also coast off while moving — a separate, normal feature.
Reasons to Switch It Off
- Engine-bay jobs — no surprise restart.
- Heavy traffic — no constant cycling.
- Hot or cold extremes — steadier climate output.
The system also declines to stop on its own when the battery is low, the cabin still needs heating/cooling, or you’re on a slope — all normal. Mild-hybrid Q3 versions also coast with the engine off while moving as part of normal operation.
What to Expect After
With start/stop off, the indicator shows the system disabled and the engine keeps running at every stop for the rest of the journey. When you next start the car it will be armed again automatically — that’s expected, not a fault. The impact on overall fuel economy is minor, so disabling it is a matter of driving comfort rather than any mechanical worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch off auto stop/start on an Audi Q3?
Press the AⓇ button, usually near the gear selector or among the dashboard switches. The indicator confirms the system is off and the engine then stays running at stops. You can do this any time with the engine running — you don’t need to be stationary first.
Can it stay off for good?
No — the Q3 re-arms start/stop at every ignition cycle, and there’s no factory setting to keep it permanently off. Press the button once at the start of each drive if you’d rather not use it. After a few journeys it becomes an automatic habit.
Why did it switch itself back on?
Cycling the ignition re-enables it — it doesn’t turn itself back on mid-drive. If it seems to reappear during a single trip, check that the “off” indicator was actually lit when you pressed the button, as a light press can be missed.
Why won’t the engine cut at junctions?
An inhibit condition is being met. Typical ones are a cold engine, a battery that isn’t fully charged, the heater or air-conditioning working hard, or a gradient under the wheels. The Q3 only auto-stops when a smooth restart is assured, so this is normal behaviour.
Does start/stop harm the engine or starter?
No. The Q3 uses a heavy-duty starter and an AGM or EFB battery designed for frequent cycling, and the engine only stops once warm. There’s no meaningful extra wear in normal use, so choosing to disable it is a comfort preference rather than a mechanical necessity.
My start/stop symbol is amber — is that a fault?
The plain white or green “A”-in-arrow is just the status light. A separate amber start/stop or battery warning points to a fault, most often a tired 12 V battery that can no longer support auto-restarts. Have the battery tested before assuming anything more serious.
If a start/stop fault symbol shows rather than the normal one, look it up on autodtcs.com — usually a weak 12 V battery. See our Q3 battery guide.
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