How to Turn Off the Auto Start-Stop Function in Camry?
3 Answers
Next to the fuel tank cap button, there is an auto start-stop system button marked with a circle and an 'A'. Pressing this button will turn off the function, but it cannot be permanently disabled as it reactivates every time the engine is started. 1. The engine auto start-stop technology automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop (e.g., at a red light). 2. When it's time to move forward again, the system automatically restarts the engine. The start-stop system operates by detecting when the vehicle stops due to traffic congestion or at intersections. The driver presses the brake pedal and shifts to neutral. At this point, the Start-Stop system automatically checks: the wheel speed sensors of the anti-lock system show zero; the electronic battery sensor indicates sufficient energy for the next start. Once these three conditions are met, the engine automatically stops. When the traffic light turns green, the driver presses the clutch (in manual transmission) or simply releases the brake (in automatic transmission), and the 'start-stop' system quickly restarts the engine. 3. In automatic transmission models, releasing the brake or turning the steering wheel immediately triggers the engine to restart, allowing the driver to accelerate from a standstill while remaining in D gear.
I've been driving a Camry for over a decade. The auto start-stop feature is quite fuel-efficient, but it's a bit annoying when the engine shuts off every time you stop, especially during traffic jams—the vibration is uncomfortable. Turning it off is simple: look for a small button near the steering wheel on the center console, labeled 'A Off' or with an icon, like the letter A with a slash. Press it, and when the light comes on, it's deactivated. Just remember, it might automatically reactivate every time you start the car, so you'll need to press the button again. I think it's best to get used to it or use ECO mode to minimize the impact. If you can't be bothered to find the button, some newer models allow you to disable it through the screen settings: go into the vehicle information menu and look for driver assistance options. After turning it off, driving becomes smoother, with fewer distractions, which improves your mood.
The Camry's auto start-stop is primarily designed for environmental protection and fuel efficiency, but it's easy to temporarily disable if needed. Look around your seat area, such as near the gear shift lever or the lower right corner of the dashboard – there's usually an 'Auto Stop Off' button. Pressing it (when the light illuminates) will deactivate the start-stop function. In newer models, this setting might be adjustable through the vehicle settings menu; access it via the steering wheel buttons and locate the start-stop option to toggle it off. Note that the system automatically reactivates each time you restart the vehicle. Why disable it? To avoid the discomfort caused by frequent engine restarts during stops and reduce battery load. I recommend gradually adapting to its rhythm in daily driving rather than abandoning the feature entirely, as it does help save on fuel costs.
