Can the Auto Start-Stop Function Be Permanently Disabled?
4 Answers
The auto start-stop function cannot be permanently disabled, but you can use techniques while driving to prevent it from engaging. Lightly pressing the brake pedal will prevent the auto start-stop from activating. When you need the auto start-stop, press the brake pedal firmly to stop the engine, then return to the normal brake pedal position—lifting your foot will restart the engine. Precautions for using the auto start-stop include: 1. Quickly shift to P gear and release the brake when the engine stops; 2. Minimize electrical consumption; 3. Avoid repeatedly pressing the brake when the engine is off; 4. Allow the engine speed to drop to zero before engaging the starter gear for restart; 5. Do not activate the auto start-stop system during low-speed parking or when using the air conditioning.
My car also has this annoying auto start-stop feature. Every time I stop at a red light, the engine shuts off, and then jerks when starting again. I asked the dealership, and the manufacturer said it can't be permanently disabled—the system defaults to on every time you start the car. Now, I have to press that button with an 'A' on the dashboard first thing when I get in. I heard some people forcibly disable it by flashing the ECU, but that voids the warranty. Honestly, this feature is mainly for passing emission tests and is pretty useless for city driving. I recommend buying an auto start-stop disabler that plugs into the OBD port. It costs around a hundred bucks and automatically remembers the off state, which is much more convenient than manually turning it off each time.
As someone who enjoys studying automotive electronics, I've discovered that the inability to permanently disable auto start-stop is a tactic by automakers. Emission regulations require reduced idle emissions, so manufacturers rely on this feature to meet standards. There's simply no permanent disable option in the vehicle's system - it resets to default after every restart. Last time, I dismantled the steering wheel panel, located the start-stop button's wiring, and bypassed the system by adding a parallel resistor. But the most reliable solution is installing a relay module to automatically press the button for you. Interestingly, electric vehicles like Tesla don't have this issue since their motors don't consume power when stationary.
I hate it when the AC suddenly stops cooling at a red light! The auto start-stop shuts off the engine to save fuel, and the compressor stops too. I asked a mechanic during maintenance, and he said new cars nowadays can't completely disable this feature. Here's a little trick: keeping it in D gear while braking triggers the start-stop, but shifting to N gear and pulling the handbrake won't turn off the engine. If you find it troublesome, you can buy an auto start-stop deactivator on Taobao—just plug it in to remember the setting. But be careful about the battery if you keep it off long-term; AGM batteries with start-stop function cost over a thousand yuan.
