These instructions apply to the Audi Q2 Mk1 (GA) 2016-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Your Audi Q2 (GA, 2016–present) switches the engine off at a standstill to save fuel and reduce emissions. When you’d rather it stayed running — heavy traffic, a hot day, or before any under-bonnet work — one button switches it off. Seeing the auto stop-start “A-in-arrow” symbol appear as you halt is entirely normal: it means the engine has parked itself to save fuel, not that there’s a fault. Below is how the system decides to stop, how to disable it for the drive, and what to check if it behaves unexpectedly.
How Start/Stop Works on the Q2
The Q2 monitors the car and cuts the engine only when the moment is right. Bring the car to a full stop with the brake held (or, in a manual, slot into neutral and release the clutch) and the engine shuts down; ease off the brake or press the clutch and it fires straight back up. The stop only happens when a set of inhibit conditions are all met: the 12 V battery must have enough charge in reserve, the engine must be warm, the climate control must be close to your set temperature, and the car must be on fairly level ground. If any one condition isn’t satisfied the engine keeps idling — the system quietly stepping back to protect comfort and the battery, not misbehaving.
Before You Start
- Have the ignition on and the car stationary — you don’t need the engine running to press the button.
- The switch is near the gear selector or among the dashboard switches, carrying the AⓇ symbol.
- Planning to work under the bonnet? Switch start/stop off first so the engine can’t restart unprompted.
- The setting only lasts the current drive, so expect to repeat it each time you set off.
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 Q2 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
When start/stop is active but the engine never cuts, work through these before suspecting a fault:
- A weak or ageing 12 V battery is the usual reason — the system needs plenty of reserve charge to guarantee a restart and withdraws when the battery is low.
- Cold engine. Just after a cold start it keeps idling until the coolant is up to temperature.
- Heavy heating or cooling. On extreme days, with the climate system working hard to reach your setting, it stays running to keep the cabin comfortable.
- Gradient. On a slope, 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 press may not trigger the stop.
- Lots of short stops. After many restarts on a short trip it may opt out to spare the starter and battery.
None of these points to a defect. If the setting won’t hold or a dedicated fault symbol shows, have the 12 V battery tested first.
What to Expect After
Once you’ve pressed the button, 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 queues. When you next start the car the Q2 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 an Audi Q2?
With the ignition on, press the AⓇ button near the gear selector once. The indicator confirms the system is disabled 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 search through.
Can it stay off for good?
No. The Q2 re-enables start/stop each time you cycle the ignition, so there’s no factory way to keep it permanently off. The practical answer is to press the button once at the start of any drive where you don’t want the engine cutting out at stops.
Why did it switch itself back on?
Turning the ignition off and on resets the system to its default “on” state. That’s intentional — the car defaults to the most fuel-efficient setting every drive. If you prefer it off, you’ll need to press the button again after each start.
Why won’t the engine cut at some stops?
The engine only shuts down when every inhibit condition is satisfied: adequate 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 weakening battery will all keep it idling. This is normal, designed behaviour.
Does start/stop wear out the engine or starter?
No. The Q2 uses a reinforced starter and a battery specified for frequent cycling, and the engine only stops once warm. The system is built for constant everyday use. Erratic stopping is far more likely to come from a tired 12 V battery than from any mechanical wear.
Should I turn it off before working under the bonnet?
Yes. With start/stop live the engine could restart by itself while you’re near moving parts. Press the button to switch it off first, and for anything more than a quick check switch the ignition off entirely so the engine cannot fire up unexpectedly.
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 Q2 battery guide.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Audi. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.