These instructions apply to the Alpine A110 (2018-2024).
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Alpine A110 (2018–2024) uses a Start/Stop system that shuts the engine off at a standstill to save fuel and reduce emissions. On a driver’s car like the A110 many owners prefer it off — and you’ll also want it off before working under the engine cover. You switch it off with the dash button. The system is a normal economy feature, not a fault, and the warning light simply reports its state.
How Start/Stop Works on the A110
When you come to rest and hold the brake, the mid-mounted engine shuts down; a touch on the throttle or release of the brake brings it straight back. It only cuts out when a set of conditions is met — principally a well-charged 12 V battery, an engine at operating temperature and a satisfied cabin climate demand. Because the A110 is light and often used for shorter, spirited drives, the battery doesn’t always reach the charge the system wants, so it may decline to stop the engine.
Before You Start
- Do this with the engine running, or the ignition fully on, so the button and display respond.
- Locate the Start/Stop button on the dashboard before you set off.
- If you’re about to work under the engine cover, switch the system off first so it can’t auto-restart.
- Remember the choice only lasts for the current drive — there’s no permanent-off setting.
Turning Start/Stop Off
- Press the Start/Stop button on the dashboard.
- ‘Start/stop deactivated’ appears on the display and the warning light illuminates — the system is now switched off.
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 engine won’t cut unless conditions are met:
- The 12 V battery is sufficiently charged — short trips leave it too low.
- The engine is warm and cabin demand is satisfied.
- The car is fully stopped with your foot on the brake.
- You’re not on a steep slope, where the system holds the engine running for control.
- The battery is in good health — if the engine almost never stops, a tired 12 V battery is the usual reason and worth testing.
What to Expect After
Once ‘Start/stop deactivated’ shows and the light is on, the engine will idle normally at every stop for the rest of that drive. Next time you start the car the system arms itself again, so press the button once more if you want it off. Nothing is stored or reset in the process — it’s a simple per-trip toggle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn off Start/Stop on an Alpine A110?
Press the Start/Stop button on the dashboard. ‘Start/stop deactivated’ appears on the display and the warning light comes on to confirm the system is off. It stays off for that drive and re-enables when you next start the engine.
Does it stay off permanently?
No — the A110 has no permanent-off setting. Start/Stop re-enables every time you start the engine, so the only way to keep it off is to press the button once at the start of each drive.
Why doesn’t the engine stop at lights?
Usually the 12 V battery isn’t charged enough, or the engine isn’t warm yet. A steep gradient, an unsatisfied cabin climate demand, or the brake not being held firmly will also keep the engine running. It’s all normal, protective behaviour.
Should I disable it for engine work?
Yes — switch it off so the engine can’t auto-restart while your hands are near moving parts. On a mid-engined car with the cover open, deactivating Start/Stop first is a sensible safety step before you begin any checks.
Does leaving Start/Stop off drain the battery?
No — switching it off simply stops the engine cutting out at rest; it doesn’t draw any extra power. In fact, on a car used for short drives, the battery often recovers charge better because the engine keeps running and the alternator keeps feeding it.
Will disabling it affect performance?
Not at all — turning Start/Stop off changes nothing about engine power or throttle response. It only prevents the automatic engine cut at a standstill, which many A110 owners prefer for a more consistent, uninterrupted feel in traffic.
If a Start/Stop fault light stays on, look up the code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Alpine. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.