How to Operate One-Button Start to Turn Off Power Without Shutting Down the Engine?

[ReidAnn]

Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a smooth stop; shift the gear from D to N; engage the handbrake (for electronic handbrake, simply pull it upwards). Release the foot brake, but do not turn off the power (the purpose is to confirm that the vehicle can come to a complete stop under the handbrake's effect, preventing the P gear from locking up). Continue to press the foot brake, shift the gear from N to P; release the foot brake, press the one-button start button to turn off the power, and the engine shutdown is complete.

[IanDella]

This operation is actually quite common, and I often do it while waiting for someone. The car is running but not turned off, and I want to turn off the infotainment screen and air conditioning to save some power. The method is to sit in the driver's seat without pressing the brake pedal and simply press the one-touch start button once. At this point, the dashboard will dim, but you can still hear the engine running. Different cars have different designs—for example, my Japanese car only requires one press, while my friend's American car needs two consecutive presses. Remember, the car must be stationary and in Park (P) mode when performing this operation; doing it while driving would be dangerous. If pressing the button accidentally turns off the engine, don’t panic—just restart it. This is especially practical for resting in the car during summer, as it saves fuel while keeping the air conditioning cool.

[Julio]

I'm the type who loves tinkering with car features, having tested one-button start systems across various brands. The basic logic is to separate engine and electronic controls: after starting the car, avoid touching the brake pedal and directly press the start button. Some cars respond extremely sensitively, cutting power with just a light touch; German models typically require holding the button for 2-3 seconds. Pay attention to the coolant temperature gauge during operation - this method works best for winter warm-ups. I routinely do this at gas stations before refueling, turning off multimedia to focus on the fuel pump. Here's a niche tip: some EVs enter charging prep mode with a direct press, but it's completely safe for combustion engines. I recommend testing this several times in your own vehicle to get comfortable with the operation.

[DawsonFitz]

The key is not to press the brake pedal. With the engine running, simply press the start-stop button once. This will only turn off the vehicle's electrical systems while keeping the engine running. There might be slight variations between models—for instance, some Korean cars require quickly pressing the button twice. I often use this method when answering calls while driving to reduce noise and save power. Be especially careful not to attempt this while the vehicle is in motion, as it may trigger emergency braking. New drivers are advised to practice in the garage first to familiarize themselves with changes in dashboard indicator lights. Some vehicles retain power steering assistance even after powering off, which is quite considerate. The operation is actually more convenient than turning a key in older cars, and practice makes perfect.