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

[EloiseDella]

The method to turn off the auto start-stop function in the Tharu is: Press the auto start-stop button, and the dashboard will display a prompt indicating the system is turned off. If you wish to use this function again, simply press the button to reactivate it. The auto start-stop system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop, such as at a red light, and restarts the engine when it's time to move forward again. Taking the 2021 Tharu as an example, it is a compact SUV with the following dimensions: length 4453mm, width 1841mm, height 1632mm, wheelbase 2680mm, fuel tank capacity 51 liters, and curb weight 1405kg.

[VonAdriel]

Friends who have driven the Tharu probably know how annoying it is to manually turn off the auto start-stop every time you start the car. My personal habit is to press the button with the circled 'A' on the center console near the AC panel right after getting in—press it until the yellow light comes on to deactivate the feature. Just a heads-up: this function resets automatically after turning off the engine, so you'll need to disable it again the next time you drive. If you find it too bothersome, you might consider buying a small module called 'Auto Stop Eliminator' on Taobao for around 100 yuan. Once installed, it permanently disables the feature, though you'll need to remove the lower steering wheel cover and connect some wires—suitable for those handy with DIY. Also, I’ve heard some higher-trim models allow permanent deactivation via the infotainment screen, but my base Trendline version doesn’t have that option.

[VanEdward]

The automatic start-stop deactivation button for the Tharu is located in the center console area, marked with a circular arrow surrounding the letter 'A'. The first thing I do after starting the vehicle is press this button, which is positioned next to the driving mode selector knob. One detail to note: when the air conditioning is turned on, the system may forcibly activate the start-stop function, causing the button's indicator light to turn off. Some car enthusiasts have explored solutions like modifying wiring harnesses or enabling hidden programs, but dealerships usually won't perform these modifications. Personally, I recommend turning it off during city traffic jams - frequent starts can significantly wear down the battery. My father-in-law's older Tiguan had its battery ruined by the start-stop system; replacing it cost over a thousand yuan.

[MacBriella]

Below the air vent on the left side of the steering wheel, there's a row of buttons. Look for the one with an 'A' symbol inside a circular arrow. Press it, and the indicator light will turn yellow, indicating it's turned off. However, this function automatically reactivates every time the vehicle is restarted and cannot be permanently disabled. I once experienced the auto start-stop suddenly engaging while reversing, causing the car to shake violently. During a maintenance visit, I asked a technician about it. He suggested unplugging the battery's power sensor connector, but warned that this would trigger error messages for the automatic headlights and tire pressure monitoring system. Now, turning off the auto start-stop has become muscle memory for me, as routine as fastening the seatbelt.

[MarianaAnn]

A buddy who drives a Touareg taught me this trick: right after starting the car, firmly press the brake pedal, and when the dashboard displays 'Start-Stop Activated,' quickly hit the physical button with an 'A' inside a circle. It's located two spots to the right of the hazard light button. Once, a mechanic told me that cars with auto-hold especially need to deactivate start-stop, otherwise there's a half-second lag when accelerating. To completely solve this, you'd need to reprogram the ECU, but that voids the warranty. Recently, I noticed a pattern: when the front defroster is on, the system automatically disables start-stop. For daily driving, it's recommended to turn it off, and it's absolutely mandatory to disable it when driving through water—the manual specifically mentions this on page 183.

[VanPenelope]

My solution is simple and straightforward: a three-step routine—start the car, turn off the auto start-stop, and release the handbrake. The button is located on the panel in front of the gear lever, between the two air conditioning knobs. Once, on a rainy day, I forgot to turn it off, and the engine shut off at a red light. Suddenly, it restarted as rainwater reached the exhaust pipe, which scared me half to death. Research revealed that Volkswagen's auto start-stop system requires over a dozen conditions to function, such as the battery temperature needing to be between -1°C and 55°C. If it frequently fails, it might be due to an aging battery or excessive air conditioning usage. Now, I’ve made it a habit to turn it off every time I start the car—after all, the small fuel savings aren’t worth the cost of replacing the starter motor.