Volvo XC60 Start Stop Not Working

Volvo XC60 Start Stop Not Working

The Volvo XC60 engine start stop system (auto stop) temporarily switches the engine off when the car has come to a standstill and automatically restarts the engine when the driver moves off.


The intention behind start stop technology is to reduce harmful exhaust emissions due to increasingly stringent regulations. In ideal circumstances and if the start stop system is working as expected, there can be up to 8 percent fuel saving.

Volvo XC60 Start Stop Unavailable

If your Volvo XC60 start stop isn’t working, you may see the warning message ‘Start stop unavailable’, the ‘Ready’ symbol may be greyed out or the warning light Volvo XC60 Start Stop Unavailable being greyed out indicating the start stop system is unavailable.

The Volvo XC60 start stop not working is due to one or more of the prerequisite conditions that hasn’t been met. Auto stop / auto start stop will not work due to the following conditions:

  • After engine start, the car has not yet reached a speed of 6 mph (10 km/h) or more.
  • After auto stop has occurred on a number of occasions, vehicle speed must again reach 6 mph (10 km/h) or more before the next auto stop.
  • The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
  • The battery charge capacity is below 80 percent. This is the most common cause for start stop not working and if often associated with the driver taking mostly short trips. Purchasing a battery charger and leaving it charging overnight often proves beneficial.
  • The engine has not yet reached optimal operating temperature.
  • The outside ambient temperature is under approximately -5 °C (23 °F) or above approximately 30 °C (86 °F).
  • The windscreen electric heating demister is enabled.
  • The temperature in the passenger compartment is not within the set values.
  • Reverse gear has been selected.
  • The starter battery’s temperature is below or above the permitted limit values. This is usually a threshold of between approximately -5 °C (23 °F) and 60 °C (140 °F).
  • The driver makes sweeping steering wheel movements.
  • The vehicle has stopped on a steep road and where hill start assist may of activated. This is usually gradients of approximately higher or lower than 9 percent.
  • The bonnet is open.
  • The gearbox has not yet reached optimal operating temperature or the the gearbox is too hot.
  • For diesel versions of the XC60, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is being regenerated. The DPF requires more frequent cleaning when only short trips are driven in the vehicle.
  • When driving at high altitudes when the engine has not reached operating temperature.
  • The engine coolant temperature is too cold (below approximately 10 °C) or too hot (above approximately 100 °C).
  • The gear selector is in ± position.
  • The catalytic converter is too hot.
  • The ABS (anti-lock braking system) has been activated.
  • The vehicle has come to a stop after heavy braking (even without ABS being activated).
  • To prevent heat damage, the start motor’s thermal protection system has been activated due to many engine starts in a short period of time.
More about the Volvo XC60
Link Volvo XC60 Dashboard Warning Lights
Link Volvo XC60 Tyre Pressure Reset
Link Volvo XC60 Tyre Pressures Guide
Link Volvo XC60 Start Stop Not Working
Link Volvo XC60 Key Battery Replacement