Peugeot 2008: Driving / Starting / Switching off the engine with the key

Key ignition switch

It has 3 positions:

• 1. Stop: inserting and removing the key, steering column locked.
• 2. Ignition: steering column unlocked, ignition on, Diesel preheating, engine running.
• 3. Starting.

Avoid attaching heavy objects to the key or the remote control. It would weigh down on its shaft in the ignition switch and could cause a malfunction.

Ignition on position

It allows the use of the vehicle's electric equipment or portable devices to be charged.

Once the state of charge of the battery drops to the reserve level, the system switches to energy economy mode : the power supply is cut off automatically to preserve the remaining battery charge.

Starting the engine

• With the parking brake applied:
• With a manual gearbox, place the gear lever in neutral then fully depress the clutch pedal.
• With an automatic gearbox, place the gear selector in mode N or P then fully depress the brake pedal.
• Insert the key into the ignition switch; the system recognises the code.
• Unlock the steering column by simultaneously turning the steering wheel and the key.

In certain cases, you may have to apply significant force to move the steering wheel (wheels on full lock, for example).

• With a petrol engine, operate the starter motor by turning the key to position 3 without pressing the accelerator pedal, until the engine starts. As soon as the engine starts, release the key.

With petrol engines, after a cold start, preheating the catalytic converter can cause  noticeable engine vibrations for anything up to 2 minutes while stationary with the engine running (accelerated idle speed).

• With a Diesel engine, turn the key to position 2, ignition on, to operate the engine preheating system.

Wait until this warning lamp goes off in the instrument panel, then operate the starter motor by turning the key to position 3 without pressing the accelerator pedal, until the engine starts. As soon as the engine starts, release the key.

In wintry conditions, the warning lamp may stay on for a longer period. When the engine is hot, the warning lamp does not come on.

If the engine does not start straight away, switch off the ignition. Wait a few seconds before operating the starter motor again. If the engine does not start after a few attempts, do not keep trying - risk of damaging the starter motor and the engine.

Contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

In mild conditions, do not leave the engine to warm up while stationary, but move off straight away and drive at moderate speed.

Switching off the engine

• Immobilise the vehicle.
• With the engine at idle, turn the key to position 1.
• Remove the key from the ignition switch.
• To lock the steering column, turn the steering wheel until it locks.

To facilitate unlocking of the steering column, it is recommended that the wheels be returned to the straight ahead position before switching off the engine.

Never switch off the ignition before the complete immobilisation of the vehicle. With the engine off, the braking and steering assistance systems are also cut off - risk of loss of control of the vehicle!

Check that the parking brake is correctly applied, particularly on sloping ground. When leaving the vehicle, keep the key in your possession and lock the vehicle.

Energy economy mode

After the engine has stopped (position 1. Stop), for a maximum combined duration of about thirty minutes, you can still use functions such as the audio and telematics system, courtesy lamps, windscreen wipers, dipped beam headlamps, etc.

For more information on Energy economy mode, refer to the corresponding section.

Key left in

When opening the driver's door, an alert message is displayed, accompanied by an audible signal, to remind you that the key is still in the ignition switch at position 1 (Stop).

If the key has been left in the ignition switch at position 2 (Ignition on), the ignition will be switched off automatically after one hour.

To switch the ignition back on, turn the key to position 1 (Stop), then back to position 2 (Ignition on).