These instructions apply to the Abarth Grande Punto / Punto Evo (2007-2014).
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Abarth Grande Punto / Punto Evo (2007–2014) with Start/Stop shuts the engine off at a standstill to save fuel and reduce idling emissions. Roll to a halt with the car in neutral and the clutch up, and the engine cuts out; press the clutch to select a gear and it restarts instantly, ready to pull away. It is a normal fuel-saving feature working as intended, not a warning of a fault. Even so, plenty of owners of these warm hatchbacks prefer the engine to stay live for crisper response in traffic or when manoeuvring. If you’d rather keep the engine running — in queues, when parking, or before working under the bonnet — you can switch it off from the dash button.
How It Works on the Punto
Start/Stop on the Grande Punto and Punto Evo only cuts the engine when a set of conditions is satisfied. It checks that the 12 V battery holds enough charge to restart cleanly, that the engine has reached normal operating temperature, and that cabin heating or cooling demand is met. It also looks at whether the driver’s seat belt is fastened and the door is closed. Because a fresh restart draws heavily on the battery, a sensor watches its state of charge continuously — so on a cold morning, a short trip, or with the heater blowing hard, the system will simply keep the engine idling.
Before You Begin
- Have the engine running and the car awake — the button only responds with the ignition fully on.
- Choose the button for a single-drive switch-off; there is no permanent ‘off’ setting.
- If you’re about to open the bonnet, disable it first so the engine can’t auto-restart while your hands are inside.
- On a cold start, let the engine warm through if you actually want Start/Stop to become active.
Turning Start/Stop Off
- Press the Start/Stop (ECO) button on the dashboard.
- The Start/Stop warning light illuminates — the system is now switched off.
It stays off until you press the button again or restart the car.
It Resets Every Time You Start
Start/Stop re-enables automatically each time you start the engine. There’s no permanent off setting — press the button again after each start if you want it disabled.
If the System Won’t Stop the Engine Anyway
Even with Start/Stop active, the car won’t cut the engine unless every condition is met. If it never seems to stop, work through these:
- The 12 V battery is charged enough — a tired battery or a run of short trips leaves the state of charge too low, and this is by far the most common reason the engine won’t stop.
- The engine is warm — it stays running until it reaches normal operating temperature.
- Cabin demand is satisfied — strong heating, cooling or demisting keeps the engine on to feed the system.
- The driver’s seat belt is fastened and the door is closed.
- You are on level ground with the clutch fully up and neutral selected.
- Outside temperature isn’t extreme — very cold or very hot conditions inhibit the shut-down.
After the Reset
With the button pressed, the warning light stays lit and the engine will idle normally at every stop for the rest of that drive. There’s no other change to how the car behaves and no fault stored. When you next start the engine the system quietly switches itself back on, so press the button again if you want it off for that journey too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn off Start/Stop on an Abarth Punto?
Press the Start/Stop (ECO) button on the dashboard; the warning light comes on to confirm the system is off. It stays disabled for the current drive only. There’s no menu setting to find — the single button is the whole control, and you press it again to turn the feature back on.
Does it stay off permanently?
No — the Punto re-enables Start/Stop every time you start the engine, and there is no factory way to keep it off between trips. If you never want the engine to stop, get into the habit of pressing the button once each time you set off, before pulling away.
Why doesn’t the engine stop at the lights?
Usually the 12 V battery isn’t charged enough, the engine isn’t yet warm, or the cabin still needs heating or cooling. The seat-belt/door condition or a gradient can also block it. All of these are normal inhibit conditions rather than a fault with the car.
Is a battery to blame if Start/Stop stops working?
Very often, yes. These cars are now well over a decade old, and a weak or ageing 12 V battery is the classic cause of Start/Stop dropping out, because the system won’t risk a shut-down it can’t reliably recover from. A healthy, fully charged battery usually brings the feature back.
Can I disconnect it for engine work?
Switch it off with the button before working under the bonnet so the engine can’t auto-restart while you’re near moving parts. That’s the safe, simple approach — there’s no need to unplug anything. Turn the ignition off entirely if you’ll be working for any length of time.
Does Start/Stop harm the engine or starter?
No — cars fitted with the feature use an uprated starter and battery designed for frequent cycling, so normal use doesn’t cause harm. The practical wear point is the battery, which does more work than on a non-Start/Stop car; keeping it healthy keeps the system happy.
If a Start/Stop fault light stays on, look up the code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Abarth. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.