These instructions apply to the Cupra Formentor Mk1 (KM) 2020-present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Your Cupra Formentor (KM, 2020–present) shuts the engine off at a standstill to save fuel and cut emissions. When you’d rather it didn’t — crawling traffic, a hot day, or before any under-bonnet work — one button switches it off. The auto stop-start “A-in-arrow” symbol appearing as you stop is normal behaviour: it signals the engine has parked itself to save fuel, not that something has gone wrong. Here’s how the system decides to stop, how to disable it for the drive, and what to check if it acts up. Note that plug-in hybrid (e-Hybrid) Formentors manage the petrol engine differently and may not stop and start in the same way.
How Start/Stop Works on the Formentor
The Formentor watches driving conditions and stops the engine only when the moment suits. Come to a full halt with the brake held in an automatic (or in neutral with the clutch released in a manual) and the engine cuts; release the brake or dip the clutch and it restarts instantly. The stop only happens when a group of inhibit conditions line up: the 12 V battery must hold enough reserve charge, the engine must be warm, the climate control must be near your set temperature, and the car must be on reasonably level ground. If any of these isn’t met the engine keeps idling — the system stepping aside to protect your comfort and the battery rather than faulting.
Before You Begin
- Do this with the ignition on and the car stationary — the engine doesn’t need to be running to reach the button.
- The switch sits near the gear lever and carries the AⓇ symbol.
- Before any engine-bay work, switch start/stop off so the engine can’t restart on its own.
- The choice lasts only for the current drive, so plan to repeat it each time you set off.
Turning Start/Stop Off
- Locate the AⓇ button (an “A” circled by an arrow), usually near the gear lever.
- 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 Formentor 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 — or the Button Won’t Help
If start/stop is on but the engine never cuts, check these before assuming a fault:
- A tired or ageing 12 V battery is the most common cause — the system needs healthy reserve charge to guarantee a restart and quietly withdraws when the battery is weak.
- Cold engine. Right after a cold start it keeps idling until the coolant reaches temperature.
- Heavy climate demand. On a very hot or cold day, with the fan working hard, it stays running to hold the cabin at your set temperature.
- Slope. On a gradient, or if the car isn’t fully at rest, it prefers to keep running.
- Brake pressure. In an automatic, hold the brake firmly — a light touch may not trigger the stop.
- Short journeys. After many restarts in quick succession it may opt out to spare the starter and battery.
None of these is a defect. If the setting won’t hold at all, or a dedicated fault symbol appears, have the 12 V battery tested first.
After the Reset
With the button pressed, the indicator changes to show the system is off and the engine idles normally at every stop for the rest of that drive — no cutting out at lights or in traffic. Next time you start the car the Formentor re-arms the system automatically, ready to save fuel again unless you switch it off once more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch off auto stop/start on a Cupra Formentor?
With the ignition on, press the AⓇ button near the gear lever once. The indicator confirms the system is off and the engine will keep running at every stop for the rest of the drive. It’s a single physical button — there’s no menu to work through.
Can it stay off for good?
No. The Formentor re-enables Start/Stop each time you cycle the ignition, so there’s no factory setting to keep it permanently off. The simplest approach is to press the button once at the start of any drive where you don’t want the engine cutting out.
Why did it switch itself back on?
Turning the ignition off and on resets the system to its default “on” state. That’s deliberate — the car defaults to the most fuel-efficient setting each drive. If you prefer it off, press the button again after each start.
Why won’t the engine cut at some stops?
The engine only stops when every inhibit condition is met: enough 12 V charge, a warm engine, the cabin near its set temperature, and level ground. A cold morning, hard-working climate control, a slope, or a fading battery will each keep it idling. This is normal, protective behaviour.
Is the e-Hybrid different?
Yes. The plug-in hybrid Formentor manages its petrol engine as part of the hybrid system, so it may run and stop for reasons beyond the simple stop-start logic — for example to keep the high-voltage battery charged or to deliver performance. On those models the engine stopping and starting at various points is normal hybrid behaviour.
Should I turn it off before working under the bonnet?
Yes. With start/stop active the engine could restart by itself while you’re near moving parts. Switch it off with the button first, and for anything more involved turn the ignition off entirely so the engine cannot fire up unexpectedly.
If a start/stop fault symbol shows, it usually points to a weak 12 V battery — see our Formentor battery guide, or look the code up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Cupra. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.