How to Permanently Disable Auto Start-Stop in Volkswagen Cars?
3 Answers
Passat's auto start-stop switch button is located on the left side of the gear lever. The auto start-stop button is marked with an "A" character. After the auto start-stop function is turned off, a corresponding indicator light will illuminate on the dashboard. Pressing the button when it's off will activate the auto start-stop function. When the engine is off, turning the steering wheel can activate the engine. When parking, pressing the brake pedal deeply can automatically turn off the engine.
For Volkswagen's automatic start-stop system, if you want to permanently disable it, some technical operations might be required. I often use diagnostic tools for car modifications, such as OBDeleven or VAG-COM. Plugging them into the OBD port to modify the software settings can get the job done. Keep in mind that this might affect the vehicle's warranty and could even violate environmental regulations in some areas, so caution is advised. I recommend checking the vehicle manual or tutorials on official forums first to avoid damaging the electrical system by tampering randomly. The automatic start-stop system was originally designed to save fuel and reduce emissions, but frequent restarts can indeed be annoying, especially in urban traffic jams. If all else fails, you can periodically consult technicians at authorized service centers to adjust it using professional equipment, but this can be costly and not necessarily safe.
As an average Volkswagen owner, I also find the auto start-stop feature quite annoying—it keeps restarting the engine at red lights, making the car shake. Permanently disabling it? Honestly, Volkswagen doesn’t provide a direct toggle setting for that. Every time I drive, I habitually press the button near the gear lever to temporarily turn it off. To disable it permanently might require using diagnostic programming software, but I can’t be bothered. The system is more prone to malfunction when the battery is weak or voltage is unstable, so regularly checking battery health can help mitigate the issue. I’d advise against permanent solutions to avoid damaging electronic components and affecting driving. Just keep it simple with manual operation—it’ll become second nature once you get used to it.
