Start the default Airbus A320neo V2 cold and dark in MSFS 2024 with the correct battery, APU, bleed-air, engine-start and fault-fixing steps.
To start the A320neo V2 cold and dark in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, switch on both batteries, connect external power if available, set the ADIRS to NAV, turn on the fuel pumps, start the APU and select APU bleed, then start engine 2 followed by engine 1 using the ENG MODE selector and engine masters.
This procedure is for the default, systems-enhanced A320neo V2. The older default A320neo and third-party A320s can have different state controls and system behaviour. On Airbus pushbuttons, an illuminated OFF usually means that system is off; the light extinguishes when you select its normal on state.
How do I make the A320neo V2 load cold and dark?
Select a gate or parking stand as the departure position in MSFS 2024. Starting on a runway normally loads the aircraft ready for departure and bypasses most of the cold-and-dark procedure.
If it still opens powered, apply the Cold & Dark aircraft state from the A320neo V2 tablet if that option is available, and check that AI assistance has not taken over the startup. Before proceeding, set the parking brake, place both thrust levers at idle, leave both engine masters off and set the ENG MODE selector to NORM.
If the panel layout is unfamiliar, our visual guide to the A320 cockpit controls and displays identifies the overhead panel, ECAM, MCDU and engine controls used below.
A320neo V2 cold-and-dark startup sequence
The normal sequence is electrical power, ADIRS and fuel preparation, APU bleed air, engine 2, then engine 1.
- Secure the aircraft. Confirm the parking brake is set, chocks are fitted if available, thrust levers are at idle, ENG MASTER 1 and 2 are OFF, and the ENG MODE selector is at NORM.
- Switch on electrical power. Press BAT 1 and BAT 2 so their OFF lights extinguish. If a ground power unit is connected, wait for EXT PWR to show AVAIL and press it. Without ground power, select APU MASTER SW ON, press APU START and wait for APU AVAIL; battery power can start the APU.
- Align the ADIRS. Turn all three IR selectors from OFF to NAV. Alignment continues in the background and may take time according to the simulator's realism setting. It is not required for the engines to ignite, but starting it now prevents a navigation delay before taxi.
- Configure fuel and essential systems. Check that fuel is aboard, then select the fuel pump pushbuttons on so their OFF lights extinguish. The centre-tank pumps remain subject to their automatic logic. Confirm GEN 1 and GEN 2 are in their normal on state, set emergency lights to ARM, and switch on the navigation and beacon lights at the appropriate stage.
- Establish APU bleed air. Even when using external electrical power, start the APU before engine start. Select APU MASTER SW ON, press START, wait until AVAIL appears, then press APU BLEED. Switch off and disconnect external power before pushback once the APU is supplying the aircraft.
- Prepare for engine start. Close the doors, disconnect the jetway and other ground equipment, confirm the beacon is on, and begin pushback if required. Follow the tug prompt for releasing or setting the parking brake. The packs can remain in their normal selected-on state because the start logic closes their valves automatically.
- Start engine 2. Turn the ENG MODE selector to IGN/START, then move ENG MASTER 2 to ON. Watch the ECAM for rising N2, fuel flow, EGT and oil pressure. Wait until the right engine reaches stable idle and shows no start fault before touching engine 1.
- Start engine 1. Move ENG MASTER 1 to ON and monitor the same indications. Do not continue if EGT rises abnormally, the engine fails to accelerate or an ECAM start fault appears.
- Complete the after-start flow. Once both engines are stable, return ENG MODE to NORM. Select APU BLEED OFF and APU MASTER SW OFF; the aircraft handles the APU shutdown delay. Confirm both engine generators are supplying power, then set anti-ice as required, configure flaps and spoilers, check flight controls and clear unresolved ECAM cautions before taxi.
Why will the A320neo V2 engines not start?
Most failed starts are caused by missing APU bleed air, unavailable ground power, fuel pumps left off or a controller keeping the thrust levers out of idle.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Most cockpit screens remain dark | No external or APU power, or display brightness is at zero | Confirm both batteries are on, connect ground power or start the APU, and raise the display brightness controls. |
| EXT PWR does not show AVAIL | The ground power unit is not physically connected | Request it through the aircraft tablet or ground-services controls, or use the APU instead. |
| APU does not reach AVAIL | Battery power, fuel or the APU start sequence is missing | Check fuel quantity and both batteries, then select APU MASTER SW before pressing START. Allow the start cycle time to complete. |
| Engine N2 does not rise | No pneumatic pressure, ENG MODE is not at IGN/START, or the engine master is still off | Confirm APU AVAIL and APU BLEED ON, select IGN/START, then move the relevant engine master to ON. |
| N2 rises but there is no normal light-off | Fuel pumps are off or fuel is unavailable | Return the engine master to OFF, allow the engine to spool down, verify fuel and pump configuration, then repeat the start. |
| Aircraft moves during startup | Parking brake or chocks are absent, or a throttle axis is not at idle | Secure the aircraft and inspect the on-screen thrust-lever position. Recalibrate or add a small dead zone if the axis is sending unwanted thrust. |
| ND shows IRS IN ALIGN | ADIRS alignment is still running | Leave all three selectors at NAV and wait. Cycling them restarts the alignment. |
Can I start the A320neo V2 without programming the MCDU?
Yes—the engines can be started without entering a route in the MCDU. For a normal departure, use the APU-running and ADIRS-alignment period to enter the route, weights, performance data and departure information.
Our A320 MCDU route and performance setup covers that process separately. Once the engines are running and the aircraft is configured, the step-by-step A320 flight walkthrough continues through taxi, take-off, autopilot use and landing.