How to Turn Off the Auto Start-Stop Function in Volkswagen Passat?
4 Answers
The 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 is off will turn the auto start-stop function back on. When the engine is off, turning the steering wheel can activate the engine. When parking, pressing the brake pedal firmly can automatically shut off the engine.
I've been driving my Volkswagen Passat for over two years now. The auto start-stop feature was quite convenient at first, but later I found it particularly prone to repeatedly restarting the engine in traffic jams, making the car shake back and forth, which is quite annoying. Turning it off is actually very simple: after getting in the car, don't rush to drive. On the center console near the driver's side, you can find a button with an icon resembling an A in a circle or labeled OFF. Press the button once, and the dashboard will display an indicator light, showing that the start-stop is disabled. Remember you have to press it again every time you start the car because it defaults to being on. Why do I prefer to turn it off? On one hand, it saves the battery life by not constantly starting and discharging; on the other hand, for short trips, it doesn't save much fuel but instead accelerates wear and tear. I recommend turning it off more often on city roads with frequent traffic lights and turning it back on for highway driving to save fuel. The Passat is well-designed with the button in an easy-to-find location—it takes just a minute to learn, but forming the habit takes some time.
My Passat's auto start-stop occasionally causes trouble. After a few years, I noticed loud noises during startup, so I prefer to manually disable it. The method is straightforward: after ignition, don't shift gears—just reach over and press the button near the infotainment screen, usually labeled 'A OFF' or a similar icon. Press it, and a yellow indicator light on the dashboard confirms it's deactivated. This system was originally designed to save fuel—I tested it in traffic jams and saw around a 5% reduction—but its downsides are clear: frequent restarts strain the battery, and fuel consumption spikes during ignition. From a safety perspective, turning it off in rainy conditions or heavy traffic is wiser to avoid engine stalls affecting control. Volkswagen models generally don't allow permanent deactivation, requiring this button press every drive. As an owner, I recommend making it a habit to press it immediately after starting the car. Check if your car's app offers a memory function for this setting (if available). Overall, once you know where the button is, it's easy—don't worry about damaging the system.
I often drive a Passat, and the auto start-stop button is located on the center console panel to the right of the steering wheel—look for the small circle icon with an 'A'. Press it quickly after starting the vehicle, and the light will turn on. Personally, I always turn it off in the city to avoid abnormal engine noise or battery strain caused by frequent start-stop cycles. The system uses sensors to detect parking conditions for fuel savings, but prolonged use may shorten component lifespan, so turning it off is more worry-free. I recommend beginners check the manual's illustrations to confirm the button's location—it becomes second nature once you're used to it.
