How to Turn Off the Auto Start-Stop Function in the Highlander?

[VanGia]

The method to turn off the auto start-stop function in the Highlander is: Locate the auto start-stop button on the left side of the steering wheel, and press it to deactivate the system. When the auto start-stop system is active, the engine will automatically shut off approximately two seconds after the driver applies the brakes at a stop, such as at traffic lights or for other reasons. The Highlander is a mid-size SUV under GAC Toyota, with dimensions of 4890mm in length, 1925mm in width, and 1720mm in height, a wheelbase of 2790mm, configured as a 5-door, 5-seater SUV, and equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

[IsabelleLee]

I've been driving the Highlander for several years, and the most annoying thing every time I start the car is the auto start-stop feature. There's a button area on the lower right of the steering wheel. Find the button with an 'A' letter and a circular arrow near the driver's seat, and press it to light up the indicator to turn it off. You have to manually turn it off every time after ignition, as the system defaults to on. Reminder to everyone: Be sure to turn it off before wading through water. If the engine stalls and automatically restarts, it could damage the engine. Frequent start-stop during traffic jams also drains the battery, so experienced owners suggest developing a habit of turning it off when getting in the car. For long-term deactivation, you can install an auto start-stop module, but it may affect the original car warranty, so consider carefully.

[SanMaddox]

For daily commuting with the Highlander, the most direct way to disable the auto start-stop function is to find the button near the instrument panel. A red indicator light will illuminate to show it's turned off. Personally, I disable it because the vibration from the auto start-stop is uncomfortable, especially when the AC is running, as it causes fluctuations in the air temperature. This feature is designed to save fuel, but frequent start-stops in city driving can actually drain the battery more. New owners should refer to the illustration on page 135 of the manual. Additionally, it's best to turn off auto start-stop during rainy weather to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe and causing issues.

[VonNatalie]

Turning off the auto start-stop is simple: Press the button with the letter A on the left center console of the driver's seat, at the nine o'clock position of the steering wheel. The dashboard will display the start-stop symbol with a slash. Toyota designed this for environmental certification, but in practice, it's not very convenient. I've observed that the battery load is high when auto start-stop is active, requiring replacement every three years or so. Permanently disabling it can only be done by reprogramming the ECU, but dealerships won't do it. It's recommended to have the technician check the auto start-stop system voltage for abnormalities during maintenance.

[VanBella]

The Highlander's start-stop button is located below the light control area, which is rectangular with an arrow. Press it to turn the red light on and deactivate the start-stop function for the current trip. I've noticed that it must be turned off when the air conditioning is on, otherwise the compressor stops before the engine restarts, making the cabin stuffy. This feature can save some fuel on expressways, but in urban areas, it significantly accelerates battery wear. Older models could remember the off state by adding a relay, while newer models have made it more complicated. It's only worth activating during long red lights, as frequent short start-stop cycles cause more engine wear.

[NatalieMarie]

After starting the car, immediately locate the start-stop button in front of the gear lever and press it until the dashboard prompt disappears. Personally, I prefer to turn it off because the power steering assistance is interrupted for half a second when the start-stop system is active. During the first three months with my new car, I tested it and found that using the auto start-stop saves 0.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers but reduces the battery life by 20%. Nowadays, you can find start-stop deactivators on Taobao that plug into the OBD port to remember your settings. However, be cautious as modifications might affect the electrical circuit warranty—the safest option is still to manually turn it off each time. It's especially important to disable it in advance during rainy conditions to ensure safety.