How to turn off the automatic start-stop function on the XT5?

[ArabellaFitz]

As long as there is a start-stop function switch in the car, the function can be turned off. Here is the relevant information: 1. How to use it: While driving, simply press the brake pedal directly. The engine will automatically shut off about two seconds after the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If you keep pressing the brake pedal, the engine will remain off. As soon as you release the brake or turn the steering wheel, the engine will automatically restart, and you can immediately press the accelerator to start moving. The entire process remains in D gear. 2. When you need to continue moving forward, the system automatically restarts the engine. This is an increasingly popular feature. Vehicles equipped with the start-stop function have specially designed and repeatedly tested components to meet operational requirements, so there is no need for excessive concern.

[VanRuby]

As a Cadillac owner, the auto start-stop feature on the XT5 defaults to on every time you start the vehicle. To turn it off, look for a button near the gear shift in the center console area—it's usually a circular arrow with an 'A' inside (typically located below the center console or next to the climate control panel). Press it while driving, and when the indicator light comes on, it's deactivated. However, don’t expect a permanent disable—GM designed it this way, so it resets with each ignition cycle. Some ask if reprogramming the system or modifying the code can bypass this, but that’s risky and may void the warranty. As a seasoned driver, I’d advise against tinkering. Also, in cold weather or when the battery is low, the start-stop may go dormant on its own—a small unexpected perk. While this feature saves fuel, it’s uncomfortable, especially in stop-and-go traffic where the constant cycling gets annoying. For red lights, manually turning it off is more stable—just make it a habit.

[VonAnastasia]

I've studied the XT5's start-stop system. Besides the obvious button on the center console, you can also find settings in the vehicle's infotainment system. Switch to the vehicle icon in the steering wheel's right-hand menu, select 'Drive Settings,' scroll down to find the 'Auto Start-Stop on Startup' option. Turning this off will make the system automatically deactivate upon cold starts, but it will still engage after driving for a while. The system operates based on sensors detecting battery temperature and AC pressure, so for short trips where you want to avoid start-stop, you can reduce AC fan speed or use seat heating to divert power. Initially found it annoying with a new car, but later realized it doesn't engage on highways. In traffic jams, I just predict red light duration and manually control it with the button.

[MacKaleb]

When I first got the XT5, the auto start-stop feature also bothered me. Pressing the button only turned it off for that single trip. Later, I figured out a little trick: just twist the mode dial to Sport mode, and the auto start-stop immediately goes dormant! While not a permanent solution, it saves me from poking the button every time. Remember, the system also forcibly disables auto start-stop when the battery charge is below 75%. Some people deliberately modify circuits to add capacitors, but I don't recommend that. The idea that long-term use of auto start-stop damages the starter is a misconception—today's reinforced motors can handle twenty years of use. In reality, the fuel saved by auto start-stop in traffic jams is enough to cover a year's worth of light bulb replacements. But in city stop-and-go traffic, it's truly annoying. My solution is to manually turn it off only when I encounter a long red light.