These instructions apply to the Cupra Leon Mk1 (KL) 2020-present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Your Cupra Leon (KL, 2020–present) shuts the engine off at a standstill to save fuel. When you’d rather it didn’t — crawling traffic, a hot day, or before any under-bonnet work — one button switches it off.
The “A” symbol you see in the cluster is a status indicator, not a warning — it just shows that auto Start/Stop is active. On a performance-focused Cupra, plenty of owners prefer smoother pull-away in enthusiastic driving and switch it off out of habit, which is perfectly fine.
How Start/Stop Works on the Cupra Leon
The engine only cuts when the car is happy that it can restart instantly and keep you comfortable. It checks the 12 V battery state of charge, whether the engine is up to temperature, how hard the climate system is working, and whether the car is level and fully stopped. Selecting a sportier drive profile can also change how eagerly the system stops. Because it leans heavily on battery condition, a weak or ageing battery is the usual reason the engine refuses to stop at all.
Before You Start
- Engine running, ignition on — the button only works on a live system.
- Set it before you drive off; the choice resets at the next engine start.
- Turn it off first before any engine-bay job so it can’t auto-restart.
- Find the button near the gear selector in advance rather than reaching for it while moving.
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 Leon 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 Cut (Or Won’t Stay Off)
When the engine keeps idling at a stop even though Start/Stop is enabled, work through these before suspecting a fault:
- Cold engine. Straight after a cold start it waits for coolant temperature to rise before it will stop.
- Weak 12 V battery. The commonest cause — low charge inhibits the stop to guarantee a restart. A worn AGM/EFB battery does the same.
- Climate load. Full air-con or cabin heating in extreme weather keeps the engine turning.
- Slope or partial stop. On an incline, or if the car is still rolling slightly, the engine stays on.
- Driver inputs. Steering movement at a standstill, or an open door/undone seatbelt, can block the stop.
- Resets every drive. Expected behaviour — there’s no permanent off, so press the button each time.
What to Expect After
Once disabled, the indicator shows Start/Stop is off and the engine idles normally at every halt for that journey. Nothing is stored and nothing is harmed — start the car again and the system rearms to its default. Leaving it enabled is equally fine; the engine just cycles off and on at stops as intended, saving a little fuel around town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch off auto Start/Stop on a Cupra Leon?
With the engine running, press the AⓇ button near the gear lever once. The cluster indicator confirms it’s disabled and the engine will idle instead of cutting out at the next stop. Repeat it each drive, as the setting doesn’t carry over from one journey to the next.
Can I turn it off permanently?
Not with the standard controls. The Cupra Leon re-enables Start/Stop every time you start the engine, so there’s no built-in toggle to keep it off for good. The button is the only supported way to disable it for a drive. Some independent specialists can recode the default behaviour, but that’s beyond the factory menus.
Why did it switch itself back on?
Turning the ignition off and on resets the function to its default enabled state — normal behaviour, not a fault. Just press the AⓇ button again at the start of your next drive if you want the engine to keep running at stops.
Why won’t the engine stop at lights sometimes?
It only stops when conditions allow: a healthy 12 V battery, warm engine, satisfied climate demand, and a level, stationary car. A low battery, a cold engine still warming up, or hard-working air-con will all keep the engine running by design so it can restart instantly and hold cabin temperature.
Does Start/Stop affect performance?
No — it only operates when the car is fully stopped, so it has no bearing on acceleration or driving feel once you’re moving. If you dislike the momentary pause as the engine relights when you pull away, switching it off with the button removes it for that journey.
Could a warning symbol mean my battery is failing?
Frequently, yes. A Start/Stop fault symbol, or an engine that consistently won’t stop, usually points to a weak or ageing 12 V battery. Have its state of charge and health checked; fitting a fresh battery of the correct type commonly restores normal Start/Stop operation.
If a start/stop fault symbol shows, it usually points to a weak 12 V battery — see our Leon 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.