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►Audi A3 ►Setting off ►Driving ◀Starting and switching off the engine (Audi A3s with convenience key)
- Fig. 1 Centre console: START ENGINE STOP button
Applies to Audi A3s: with convenience key
You can use the START ENGINE STOP button to switch on the ignition and start the engine.
You can start your Audi A3 without handling the convenience key. You only need to have the key on your person.
Plug-in hybrid drive*: Please also note the information on starting the Audi A3 ►Link.
While you are driving, you can stow the convenience key in a special carrier* ►Link.
Switching the ignition on/off and preheating the glow plugs
If the indicator lamp 
flashes and the message Please move steering wheel appears when you switch on the ignition, the steering wheel is locked. In this case, turn the steering wheel slightly to the left/right.
flashes and the message Please move steering wheel appears when you switch on the ignition, the steering wheel is locked. In this case, turn the steering wheel slightly to the left/right.Manual gearbox: To switch the ignition on/off, press the START ENGINE STOP button without pressing the clutch pedal.
Automatic gearbox: To switch the ignition on/off, press the START ENGINE STOP button without pressing the brake pedal.
Diesel engines are preheated when the ignition is switched on 
.
.Starting the engine
Your Audi A3 is equipped with an automatic start function. When you press the START ENGINE STOP briefly, the engine starts automatically.
Manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way down and move the gear lever into neutral.
Automatic gearbox: Press the brake pedal and move the selector lever to position P or N.
Press the START ENGINE STOP button briefly to start the engine.
Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily while you start the engine.
Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer than usual to start on cold days. Please keep your foot on the clutch pedal (manual gearbox) or brake pedal (automatic gearbox) until the engine starts. The indicator lamp lights up while the glow plugs are preheating.
lights up while the glow plugs are preheating.The preheating time depends on the outside temperature and the temperature of the coolant. When the engine is warm, or at outside temperatures above +8°C, the glow plug indicator lamp will come on for approximately one second. This means that the engine can be started immediately.
will come on for approximately one second. This means that the engine can be started immediately.If the engine fails to start immediately, switch off the starter by pressing the START ENGINE STOP button once more and try again after about 30 seconds.
On Audi A3s with a start/stop system*, the ignition will be switched off if you press the START ENGINE STOP* button during a stop phase.
Start/stop system*
Please note the information on ►Link.
Automatic start function fault
If the indicator lamp 
(petrol engine) or (diesel engine) lights up in conjunction with a fault when starting the engine, there is a fault in the automatic start function.
(petrol engine) or (diesel engine) lights up in conjunction with a fault when starting the engine, there is a fault in the automatic start function.Press and hold the START ENGINE STOP button to start the engine.
Drive to a qualified workshop soon and have the fault rectified.
- Never run the engine in confined spaces. The exhaust gases are toxic – risk of poisoning!
- Always take the key with you when leaving the Audi A3 - even if you only intend to be gone for a short time. This is especially important if children are left in the car. They might otherwise be able to start the engine or use power-operated equipment such as the electric windows - this could lead to injuries.
- Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. The doors could be locked with the remote control key and the occupants could become trapped in the Audi A3. The Audi A3 occupants could be exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, depending on the time of year.
Caution!
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions until the engine has reached its normal operating temperature; otherwise this can damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should drive off immediately whenever possible. This will help avoid unnecessary exhaust emissions.
Note
- When starting from cold the engine may be a little noisy for the first few seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic tappets. This is quite normal and no cause for concern.
- If the warning lamp
was flashing in the instrument cluster before the ignition was switched off, it will not be possible to switch on the ignition again ►Link. - If you leave your Audi A3 with the ignition switched on, it will be switched off automatically after a while. Please note that electrical equipment such as the exterior lighting will also be switched off.