
The techniques to permanently disable the start-stop function are as follows: 1. Park the car under direct sunlight until the displayed temperature exceeds 35℃ after starting the engine; 2. Open the interface for disabling the engine start-stop function, which should now show as deactivated; 3. Manually press and hold the start-stop disable icon until the small yellow indicator disappears (indicating activation), then release; 4. Within seconds, the yellow indicator will reappear, completing the process. Even when temperatures drop, the start-stop function will remain disabled, including during cold starts. This method effectively defaults the start-stop function to permanently off.

My Santana has been running for three years, and the start-stop system keeps restarting the engine frequently during city traffic jams, which is quite annoying. The trick to completely turn it off is simple: after starting the car, just find the physical button on the center console with an ‘A’ and an arrow icon, press it once to deactivate. If there’s no button, go to the infotainment screen, select ‘Vehicle Settings,’ then enter the ‘Engine Start-Stop’ option and toggle the switch off. This manual operation needs to be done every time. Some owners try to save hassle by pulling the fuse or using OBD programming for a permanent shutdown, but I don’t recommend it, as it might affect the battery life or even void the warranty. Normally, turning off this function can make acceleration smoother and reduce jerky movements.

I enjoy studying in-car technology in my spare time. The start-stop function in the Santana has good intentions, but in practice, it keeps starting and stopping during short trips. The most straightforward way to turn it off is: after starting the car, immediately check the dashboard or the central control menu, find the 'Engine Start-Stop' setting, and switch it off. Some models have a dedicated button, usually located near the air conditioning panel. I've tried using a mobile app connected to the OBD port to adjust it, but it's not foolproof and can cause errors. After manually turning it off, the ride becomes quieter, and although fuel consumption increases slightly, it's negligible. I recommend checking the owner's manual first to confirm the details and avoid forcibly modifying the wiring.

As someone who frequently deals with workshop operations, I often hear Santana owners complain about issues caused by the inability to turn off the start-stop system. Here are the techniques to completely disable it: The simplest method is to press the start-stop button on the center console every time you get in the car—it's marked with an icon. For a long-term solution, visit a professional shop to have it permanently disabled using a diagnostic tool for programming, but be aware that this involves ECU adjustments which may void the warranty. Avoid removing fuses on your own as it can easily lead to circuit malfunctions. Disabling the start-stop system can reduce engine wear, especially in urban driving conditions where frequent starts put stress on the belt and battery.


