A hybrid in an active operating state may start its engine without the driver pressing the accelerator. Owners and garages need to treat that possibility seriously during inspection or handover. A quiet vehicle is not necessarily switched off.
Explain the circumstances
Record whether READY was displayed, which climate functions were requested and whether the engine start was accompanied by a warning, unusual noise or rough running. Consult the owner’s manual for the normal behaviour of that model.
Do not work around moving components simply because the engine has stopped temporarily. Before inspection, the workshop must use the appropriate shutdown and safety procedure. If the concern is an unexpected change in how frequently the engine runs, provide a description of the journey and temperature rather than treating every stationary start as a fault. A repeatable operating pattern can help separate an energy-management request from a driveability issue requiring further investigation.
Related help
- Plug-In Hybrid Uses Petrol with Charge Still Available
- Hybrid Changes from Electric Drive to Petrol with a Jolt
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