These instructions apply to the Renault Kadjar Mk1 (XFE) 2015-2022.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Stop & Start system on your Renault Kadjar (XFE, 2015–2022) cuts the engine at a standstill to save fuel. When you’d rather keep it running — stop-go traffic, a hot day, or before any under-bonnet work — one button turns it off. The ‘A’-in-arrow symbol on the cluster only reports the system’s state; it’s a normal feature, not a fault, and it’s meant to switch between ready and active as conditions change during a drive.
How Stop & Start Works on the Kadjar
Bring the Kadjar to rest — in neutral with the clutch up on a manual, or on the brake with an auto — and once its conditions are met the engine cuts while the cabin, lights and audio stay alive on the 12 V battery. Dip the clutch or lift off the brake and it fires straight back. The car only allows a stop when the inhibit conditions line up: the battery must hold enough charge, the engine needs to be warm, and the cabin temperature has to be close to what you’ve set. If any of those isn’t satisfied, the engine keeps idling — that’s by design, not a problem.
Before You Begin
- Switch the ignition on; no tools are needed and the engine can be running or off.
- Decide whether you want it off for this trip only or every trip — the Kadjar has no permanent off, so you’ll repeat it.
- For under-bonnet work, turn Stop & Start off and the ignition fully off to rule out an auto-restart.
- Locate the button before setting off so you’re not reaching for it in traffic.
Switching It Off
- Find the Stop & Start button — marked with an A inside a circular arrow (often shown as ‘AⓇ’) on the dash or centre console.
- Press it once; the indicator confirms the system is off and the engine no longer cuts at stops.
Why It Comes Back On
The Kadjar re-enables Stop & Start every time you restart the car — there’s no permanent off. Press the button at the start of each drive if you want it disabled.
If the Engine Won’t Stop — or Won’t Stay Off
Even with the system on, the Kadjar keeps running if the battery charge is low, the cabin still needs heating or cooling, or you’re on a slope — all normal protective behaviour, often tied to 12 V battery condition. If it never seems to stop, or a press appears to do nothing, run through these:
- Weak or cold 12 V battery. The most common cause — the Kadjar holds the engine running to protect and recharge a tired battery, especially on short trips and cold mornings.
- Cabin not yet at temperature. On a very hot or cold day the climate demand blocks stops until the interior settles.
- Cold engine. After a cold start the engine stays running until it warms through.
- Clutch or brake input. A manual only stops in neutral with the clutch fully up; an auto needs the brake held firmly with the car completely stationary.
- On a gradient, the Kadjar may skip the stop for stability.
- You’ve just switched it off — if the indicator shows off, that’s the system working, not a fault.
- If a warning stays lit while the system is genuinely disabled, have the 12 V battery load-tested before looking further.
After the Reset
With Stop & Start off, the button’s indicator stays lit and the engine idles normally at every stop for the rest of the drive. Next time you start the Kadjar the system re-arms itself and the light returns to its ready state — press again if you want it off. Nothing is stored between journeys, and no warning should linger once the ignition is cycled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn off auto stop/start on a Renault Kadjar?
Press the ‘AⓇ’ Stop & Start button; the indicator shows it’s disabled for this drive. The button usually sits on the dash or centre console, marked with an A inside a circular arrow. Once pressed, the engine will idle at stops rather than cutting out. The setting only lasts until you next start the car, when the system re-arms.
Can I disable it permanently?
No — it re-arms each time you start the car, so press the button each drive. There’s no factory menu option to keep Stop & Start off for good on the Kadjar. The easy habit is to press the button at the start of any journey where you don’t want the engine cutting out, such as heavy traffic or a hot day when you want steady air-conditioning.
Why didn’t the engine stop today?
Low battery charge, climate demand or a gradient will keep it running by design. The Kadjar only stops when the 12 V battery holds enough charge, the engine is warm, and the cabin is near your set temperature. Not being fully stationary, or dipping the clutch too early in a manual, will also prevent it. These are normal conditions, not a fault.
Is it bad to leave it on?
No — it’s designed for constant use, but a tired 12 V battery can make it behave erratically. The Kadjar uses a starter and battery suited to frequent cycling, so regular stops cause no harm. If the engine stops far less often than it used to, that usually points to an ageing battery rather than a system problem — have it checked first.
Does stop/start wear out the battery or starter?
Not in normal use — the Kadjar’s components are built for repeated cycling, and it won’t auto-stop when the battery can’t support a clean restart. As the battery ages, stops naturally become rarer. Fitting the correct replacement battery type when the time comes keeps Stop & Start working the way it should.
Why does it stop in summer but not on cold mornings?
Cold weather is harder on the 12 V battery and the engine takes longer to reach operating temperature, so the Kadjar holds off stops until both are ready. Strong cabin heating adds to that demand. As the journey continues and everything warms up, you should find the engine begins stopping normally again without any action from you.
If a Stop & Start fault symbol shows, it often points to the 12 V battery — see our Kadjar battery guide, or look the code up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Renault. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.