VW Start Stop Not Working [How to Fix Guide]

The stop-start technology is one of the latest advances the auto technology with brands like Volkswagen, Audi, and Other auto brands putting it in their cars

It’s designed to help save fuel by automatically turning the engine off when you stop and then starting up again when you start driving again. However, at times it can stop working or malfunction.

In this article, I will share the most common reasons why your VW  start-stop system is not working and how to easily fix the problem.

Whether you have a Passat, Tiguan, Polo, or other VW models from my experience the cause and fix are the same. Let’s get to it.

VW Start Stop System Explained

In order to better understand why your car’ start-stop system is not working, let’s first talk about what it does.

The VW’s stop-start system is a feature that automatically turns off your engine when you come to a complete stop and then restarts it when you start driving again.

This helps save fuel because turning the engine off uses less fuel than keeping it running.

Certain conditions need to be met in order for your start-stop system to work, these include:

1. The Battery Must have Enough Charge:

The stop-start system only works if the battery has enough charge to power it. If your battery is dead or almost dead, the stop-start system will not work.

The voltage needs to be at least 12.6 volts in order for the system to work properly.

3. Engine Needs to Meet its Minimum Operating Temperature

The engine needs to meet its minimum operating temperature before the stop-start system will work.

This means that if you drive your VW in cold weather then it will need to get warm, it may take a few minutes for the system to engage properly

2. All Doors Need to be Closed:

This means that all doors, the hood, and the trunk must be closed.

If you leave any of these open, the stop-start system will not work at all.

4. Your Seat Belt Must Be Buckled:

Your seat belt must be buckled for the stop-start system to work. If you are driving with your belt unbuckled, the system will not engage at all.

What Causes Start Stop Not to Work on a VW?

Now, that I have briefly covered the basics of what you need to know about the stop-start system and how it works, let’s talk about why it isn’t working.

From working on a few Volkswagens with the same issue, it seems that there is one main cause for the start-stop system problem: low battery voltage.

The stop-start system is a complex electrical system. It requires the battery to be fully charged and in good condition in order to work.

If your vehicle’s battery is low, it can cause the stop-start system to malfunction and not engage when you come to a complete stop.

Low battery voltages on your VW can mean two things:

The Battery is Going Out and Not holding charge:

Your VW battery is responsible for supplying power to the vehicle’s electrical systems. If the battery is going out, it can cause all kinds of problems, including a malfunctioning start-stop system.

In most cases, you need to replace your VW battery if it’s not holding charge anymore.

Battery Low due to Inactivity:

Since the battery on your VW relies on the alternator charged, it will lose some of the charges if you don’t drive your vehicle for an extended period of time.

This can cause problems with the start-stop system.

How to Fix VW Start Stop System

Now, that I have made you aware of some of the main causes of a malfunctioning start-stop system, let me tell you how to fix it.

First, check your battery’s state of charge. If it’s dead or almost dead, then recharge it with a charger.

Next, if your Battery is no longer holding charge, then consider replacing it. A VW battery typically lasts anywhere between 3-4 years.

Once you have done that, the start-stop system on your VW should be up and running again.

If you have any other questions regarding the start-stop system on your VW, feel free to comment below or contact me via the form.

Additional Sources

https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/technology/engines/stop-start.html.

https://www.vwlacrosse.com/service/service-and-parts-tips/how-long-do-car-batteries-

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-to-test-a-car-battery-with-a-multimeter