How to Turn Off the Auto Start-Stop System?
4 Answers
Method to turn off the auto start-stop system: Press the auto start-stop button to deactivate it. The button is marked with a capital letter A surrounded by arrows. The dashboard will indicate that the system is turned off. To reactivate this function, simply press the button again. The auto start-stop system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop during driving and restarts it when you need to move forward again. This system is implemented by equipping a traditional engine with an enhanced motor that has idle start-stop functionality, allowing the engine to completely shut off when idle stop conditions are met. When the vehicle needs to start moving again, the idle start-stop motor system quickly responds to the driver's command and restarts the engine promptly.
I really hate the auto start-stop feature, especially when stuck in traffic with constant engine restarts. My solution is pressing the button with a circled 'A', usually located below the steering wheel or on the center console. A yellow indicator light on the dashboard confirms it's deactivated. Note it reactivates after each engine restart. Some claim it increases fuel consumption, but my tests show less than 0.5L extra per 100km in city driving – a worthy trade-off for smoother acceleration and uninterrupted AC cooling. Dashcam users should beware: frequent start-stop cycles may cause recording gaps during reboots.
The auto start-stop system actually controls engine shutdown by monitoring battery voltage and brake status. Turning it off is super easy—just locate the button marked 'A OFF' near the center console and press firmly until you hear a click. From my experience, button placement varies significantly between car models: German cars usually position it around the gearshift, while Japanese models often hide it on the steering wheel side. The system won't remember this setting—it reactivates automatically upon next ignition. Although manufacturers claim fuel savings, frequent restarts cause considerable wear on the starter motor, especially in vehicles over five years old. I've seen multiple cases where start-stop batteries failed prematurely, requiring expensive replacements. That's why I now keep mine permanently disabled.
Just press a button to get it done. After starting the vehicle, immediately look for the button with an 'A' icon on the dashboard, and press it to illuminate the indicator light to turn it off. This is a temporary deactivation, and you'll need to press it again the next time you drive. Some cars come with a memory function, but it's not common. If you can't find the button, check the owner's manual—it will definitely have an illustration showing its location. After deactivating the auto start-stop, the engine won't shut off by itself at red lights, making the drive much smoother. The system may automatically disable the start-stop function when the battery is low or the air conditioning is on, which is different from manually turning it off.
