The Lynk & Co 08 will sometimes still refuse to start, even though you have simply taken your seat and selected the drive mode. Engine starting problems with this plug-in hybrid SUV (a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor with a rechargeable battery) are often related to charging errors, key recognition or temporary malfunctions in the hybrid system (the interaction between the petrol engine and the electric motor). These problems occur sporadically, but can usually be resolved with targeted diagnostics and simple actions. Read on for concrete causes and practical solutions.
Why won’t the engine start?
The 08 does not have a traditional start button. You get in, select the drive mode and pull away straight away. Even so, it can happen that the engine does not fire up. This is often related to the combination of a 1.5TD petrol engine (a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine) and an electric drivetrain with a 40 kWh battery. Problems arise mainly during or shortly after charging.
A frequently reported cause is a charging-related lock-out (the vehicle blocks the engine for safety reasons as long as the charging system is active). The car does not correctly recognise the CCS charging plug (a fast charger for plug-in cars), which triggers an error message: “Motorstart niet mogelijk bij Ladevorgang” (engine start not possible while charging). This happens when the plug does not make proper contact due to dirt on the contact points, worn cables or software issues at the charging post. The vehicle then blocks starting on safety grounds.
‘ This is due to the battery management (the system that monitors and distributes battery charge), which maintains a minimum reserve for optimal performance. ’
Key recognition and system malfunctions
A second very common cause is that the system does not detect the keyfob. You try to drive off, but the car simply does not respond. It can sometimes take several attempts before the system does recognise the key. Waiting, then locking and unlocking again usually resolves this within a few minutes.
In addition, hybrid-specific issues (malfunctions in the software or communication between the petrol engine and the electric motor) can play a role. At low battery charge or while switching between drive modes such as Hybrid, Pure Electric or Power, a brief delay can occur. This delay happens while switching between the different drive modes. This is due to the battery management (the system that monitors and distributes battery charge), which maintains a minimum reserve for optimal performance. The electric motor supports the turbo while it builds boost, but this takes a little time when the battery is almost empty.
How can you diagnose the problem?
Start with a visual inspection. Check whether the charging cable is firmly connected and whether the contact points are clean. Dirt, rust or wear on the CCS plug can cause connection errors. Unplug it, carefully clean the contact points and plug it back in. Press it firmly until charging starts.
Next, try a different charging point to rule out a fault with the post. If the car starts normally at another post, the problem probably lies with the first charging location. End the charging cycle completely, unplug the connector and wait a few seconds before getting back in.
Still not working? Follow these steps:
- Unlock the car remotely with the keyfob
- Wait 1 to 2 minutes before getting in
- Select the desired drive mode
- Repeat this process 2 to 3 times if necessary
Bear in mind that the 08 maintains a minimum battery reserve. Make sure the battery stays above this minimum level, especially if you expect smooth acceleration. The car does 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, but that requires sufficient battery capacity.
What preventive measures are there?
Regular maintenance of the charging cable and contact points helps prevent starting problems. Clean the CCS contacts every few months and check the cables for cracks or wear. Damaged cables can cause intermittent faults that are hard to trace.
Also check whether there are any official recalls for your 08. Lynk & Co handle these free of charge, regardless of age or mileage. Software updates resolve many temporary issues, especially those related to key recognition and charging systems. Contact Lynk & Co service for a diagnosis if the problem persists.
Switch to Power mode if you need immediate access to full power from both engines. This mode activates the electric motor and petrol engine at the same time, providing maximum torque and a rapid response. This is useful if the battery is low and you still want to pull away briskly.
Use the Autohold function for smooth pull-aways from a standstill. This prevents the car from unexpectedly rolling backwards on slopes and supports the hybrid system in managing power when moving off.
‘ Most reports concern temporary malfunctions that resolve themselves or can be fixed with simple actions. ’
Experiences from owners
On online forums, owners report occasional starting refusal after parking. The car is unlocked, you get in and select the drive mode, but nothing happens. After repeatedly locking and unlocking, the engine eventually starts by itself. This indicates a temporary communication error between the key and the vehicle.
Older cases with similar plug-in hybrid models show a pattern: after charging, starting was blocked, which was resolved by plugging the charging connector in again and then removing it. Test drivers praise the direct starting without a separate start button, but note a slight delay with an empty battery. The turbo builds boost while the electric motor provides support, enabling a smooth start as soon as the system is ready.
In specific Lynk & Co communities there are no reports of widespread starting complaints with the 08. Most reports concern temporary malfunctions that resolve themselves or can be fixed with simple actions.
How much does a repair cost?
The costs depend on the cause. Software updates at the dealer are often free, especially if there is a known issue. Replacing a faulty charging cable costs several tens to hundreds of euros, depending on type and length. A new keyfob battery is cheap and easy to replace yourself.
Problems with the 12V battery can be more expensive. This battery powers the electronics and allows the hybrid system to start up. An empty or defective 12V battery prevents the car from responding at all. Replacement costs several hundred euros including labour.
More complex faults can occur in the ignition system (the component that ignites the fuel in the engine) or the fuel supply (the system that transports petrol to the engine). These faults require diagnosis by a specialist garage. Allow for at least an hour of labour for diagnostics, plus the cost of parts such as ignition coils, spark plugs or fuel pumps. In more serious cases the bill can rise to over a thousand euros.
Is a starting problem dangerous?
A starting problem in itself is not immediately dangerous, but it can involve risks. If the car unexpectedly will not start in a dangerous location such as a busy road or level crossing, it creates a safety issue. It is therefore sensible to take starting problems seriously and resolve them quickly.
A recurring starting problem can indicate an underlying defect (a fault in a component or electrical system that is gradually getting worse) that is spreading. A weak 12V battery can suddenly fail completely while driving, causing electronics and safety systems to shut down. This makes it unsafe to continue driving and can lead to a breakdown at an inconvenient moment.
Also keep an eye on any warning lights on the dashboard. If they stay on after a failed start attempt, there may be a fault in the engine management or hybrid system. Do not ignore these signals, but have the car checked before you continue driving.
‘ Preventive maintenance of charging cables, key batteries and the 12V battery prevents many problems. ’
What can you do now?
Do you regularly experience starting problems with your Lynk & Co 08? Then contact a specialist garage or the official dealer for a thorough diagnosis. Many temporary faults are easy to resolve with a software update or by cleaning contact points.
Preventive maintenance of charging cables, key batteries and the 12V battery prevents many problems. Keep the battery of the plug-in hybrid above a minimum charge level, especially in winter when battery performance decreases. Switch to Power mode if you need instant power and use Autohold for smooth pull-aways.
On the Carnews website you will find much more information about problems with different car brands and models. Discover useful tips, experiences from other owners and concrete solutions for common issues. Stay informed and get to know your car better.
Frequently asked questions
The most common causes of engine starting problems with the Lynk & Co 08 are charging-related lock-outs, for example when the CCS charging plug is not properly recognised. In addition, it can happen that the car temporarily does not detect the key (keyfob), which causes starting to be refused. Hybrid-specific factors, such as a very low battery charge or switching between electric and hybrid mode, can also cause a short starting delay. However, widespread structural engine starting problems are not reported in user forums.
First check whether the car is still connected to the charging point and whether the CCS plug is making proper contact; if necessary, stop the charging cycle, disconnect, wait a moment and then try starting again. If you suspect a key recognition error, try locking and unlocking the car, then get back in and select the drive mode (possibly several times). Make sure the high-voltage battery is not almost completely empty and, if necessary, switch to another drive mode (e.g. Power) to see whether the drivetrain then becomes active. If the problem keeps returning or a persistent error message appears, have a software diagnosis and update carried out via Lynk & Co service.
Yes, there are a few model-specific points of attention due to the PHEV architecture of the Lynk & Co 08. The starting system can temporarily lock out in the event of charging errors, especially when the CCS plug is not properly recognised or the charging cycle has not been correctly ended. Key recognition can also sometimes falter, meaning that you may need to repeat the locking and unlocking before the car “wakes up”. In addition, there may be a short delay at low battery charge or when switching between hybrid and electric drive modes, because the battery management must first secure the correct operating condition.
Regularly cleaning the CCS charging plug and contacts, checking cables for wear and, in the event of charging problems, consciously stopping the charging cycle and reinserting the plug helps prevent lock-outs when starting. Make sure the high-voltage battery is not routinely driven down to (almost) empty, so that the hybrid system can switch over without delay. Periodically check with Lynk & Co for software updates and any recalls and have these carried out. Always use the prescribed starting sequence (unlock, wait briefly, get in, select drive mode) and keep a spare key or fresh battery in the keyfob ready in case of recognition problems.
Common starting problems with the Lynk & Co 08 are often related to charging errors or key recognition; concrete costs are difficult to predict because simple solutions (reconnecting the plug, using another charging point, locking/unlocking again) are usually free. Any professional diagnosis at the dealer can range from a short software update, often covered under warranty, to paid workshop time if there is physical wear or defective components. Solutions include firmly reconnecting the CCS plug, ending and restarting the charging cycle, or trying another charging point. In the case of key problems, it helps to lock the car, wait a moment, unlock again and then reselect the drive mode; structural malfunctions require an inspection by Lynk & Co service.