These instructions apply to the SEAT Ibiza Mk5 (KJ) 2017-present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
Your SEAT Ibiza (KJ, 2017–present) shuts the engine off at a standstill to save fuel and cut emissions in town. When you’d rather it didn’t — nose-to-tail traffic, a warm day when you want steady air-con, or before any under-bonnet work — one button switches it off. The “A” symbol in the dash is simply a status light showing the feature is active; it isn’t a fault.
How Start/Stop Works on the Ibiza
The Ibiza decides for itself whether to cut the engine at each stop. It looks at the 12 V battery’s state of charge, whether the engine is warm, how much heating or cooling the cabin still needs, and whether the car is level and fully stationary. If all of that is satisfied, the engine stops as you hold the brake and restarts the instant you lift off (or dip the clutch on a manual). Because battery charge is central to the decision, a tired 12 V battery is the number-one reason a small car like the Ibiza stops cutting out.
First, a Few Checks
- Ignition on and engine running — the button only acts on a live system.
- Set your preference before pulling away; it resets at the next engine start.
- Switch it off first for any engine-bay work so the engine can’t restart itself.
- Find the button near the gear lever beforehand rather than while driving.
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 Ibiza 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)
If the engine keeps idling at a stop even with Start/Stop enabled, check these before assuming something is broken:
- Cold engine. After a cold start it waits until coolant temperature rises before it will stop.
- Weak 12 V battery. The most common cause; low charge inhibits the stop to protect the restart. An ageing battery behaves the same way even when it still starts the car.
- Climate demand. Full heating or air-con on a very hot or cold day keeps the engine running.
- Slope or not fully stopped. On a gradient, or if the car is still creeping, the engine holds on.
- Driver inputs. Turning the wheel at a standstill, or an open door/undone belt, can block the stop.
- Setting keeps re-arming. By design — it can’t be saved off, so press the button each drive.
Once It’s Done
With Start/Stop off, the indicator shows the function is disabled and the engine idles normally at each stop for the rest of that drive. Nothing is stored long term — restart the car and the system rearms automatically. Leaving it enabled causes no harm; the engine simply cycles off and on at stops, exactly as intended, and saves a little fuel in urban driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch off auto Start/Stop on a SEAT Ibiza?
With the engine running, press the AⓇ button near the gear lever once. The dash indicator confirms it’s disabled and the engine will idle rather than cut out at your next stop. You’ll need to do this every time you drive, since the setting doesn’t carry over between journeys.
Can I turn it off permanently?
Not with the standard settings. The Ibiza re-enables Start/Stop every time you start the engine, so there’s no menu option to keep it off for good. The button is the only supported way to disable it for a drive. An independent specialist can sometimes recode the default, but that’s outside the factory controls.
Why did it switch itself back on?
Turning the ignition off and on resets the function to its default enabled state. That’s normal, not a fault. Simply press the AⓇ button again at the start of the next drive if you want the engine to stay running at stops.
Why won’t the engine stop at lights sometimes?
The Ibiza only stops the engine when everything lines up: a healthy 12 V battery, warm engine, satisfied cabin climate, and a level, stationary car. If the battery is low, the engine is still warming up, or the air-con is working hard, it keeps running by design so it can restart instantly and hold your cabin temperature.
Is it bad to leave Start/Stop on?
No. The starter and battery are designed for frequent cycling, and leaving it on saves a small amount of fuel in town. Many owners simply leave it enabled and only switch it off in specific cases — heavy traffic, extreme weather, or before working under the bonnet.
Could a warning symbol mean my battery is failing?
Often, yes. If a Start/Stop fault symbol appears or the engine consistently refuses to stop, a weak or ageing 12 V battery is the usual reason. Have its state of charge and health tested; replacing a tired battery frequently restores normal Start/Stop behaviour.
If a start/stop fault symbol shows, it usually points to a weak 12 V battery — see our Ibiza battery guide, or look the code up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with SEAT. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.