How to turn off the auto start-stop on Mazda CX4?
3 Answers
Press and hold the i-stop button to turn off the auto start-stop. The introduction of Mazda CX4's auto start-stop is as follows: 1. There is an i-stop auto start-stop button on the center console. Press and hold the i-stop button until the dashboard display turns yellow, indicating the auto start-stop system is turned off; 2. The auto start-stop system on Mazda CX4 is enabled by default. When the vehicle is powered on, the auto start-stop system will activate; 3. During driving, when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop, the engine will pause. Since the auto start-stop system is active, although the engine stops, the lubricating oil inside continues to circulate, maintaining lubrication within the engine. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the engine will start again.
When I first drove the Mazda CX-4, I found the auto start-stop function quite annoying—the engine would shut off every time I stopped, and the car would shake when restarting, affecting driving comfort. Turning it off is simple: right after starting the car, locate the button on the left side of the steering wheel’s center console area with an 'A' circled in the icon. Press the button once, and if the indicator light turns off, it means the function is successfully disabled. Remember, this feature resets automatically every time you start the car, so you’ll need to manually turn it off again. I usually keep it off because in city traffic with frequent stops, the constant engine restarts make driving less smooth. Plus, I’ve heard that frequent use can accelerate battery wear—saving fuel in the short term but potentially increasing maintenance costs long-term. Button placement may vary slightly depending on the CX-4’s model year; my 2019 model has it below the instrument panel. I recommend trying it out to feel the difference and checking the owner’s manual to locate the button.
I've been driving the Mazda CX-4 for many years and am very proficient in handling the auto start-stop function. The deactivation operation must be completed quickly after getting in and starting the car: locate the button with an 'A' arc in the driver's side control area, press it once and wait for the light to go off, then the start-stop is disabled. However, the system resets every time the engine is started, so it must be manually turned off each time. I always turn it off to avoid the vibrations and instability caused by the start-stop, especially when driving with frequent red lights, making the ride smoother. Experience tells me that although this function is designed to save fuel, frequent start-stops may accelerate starter motor wear. Its location is near the steering wheel on the CX-4's center console. Turning it off makes the vehicle more reliable, but note that occasionally enabling it on long trips can slightly save fuel. Make it a habit to turn it off as soon as you get in the car.
