new vehicles without auto start-stop or ability to *permanently* disable start/stop

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Asked by noESS Dec 15, 2018 at 06:56 PM

Question type: General

Many people hate the auto start-stop "feature" that has been added to many new vehicles. In many cases, this "feature" cannot be *permanently* turned off (in some cases, it can be turned off but it returns to "on" the next time you start the car).
I am wondering whether anyone has a list of 2019 model vehicles without the auto start-stop feature or with the ability to *permanently* turn off this feature. For example, I believe the Lexus RX 350 does not have auto start-stop.

84 Answers

Keep shopping around. As far as I know any car with this feature cannot turn off the stop/start permanently. What is the matter? Don't like Green when it is forced down your throat?

73 people found this helpful.
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I know that in some older vehicles with this "feature" it was possible to permanently turn it off. I am not sure about any 2019 models. It's a safety problem (getting stuck in an intersection with a car that fails to start), it's an engine, starter, battery wear out problem, it saves very little (if any) gas in the real world. Having to push a button every time is irritating (as reported by many). There are numerous queries all over the internet from people asking for ways to defeat this ridiculous "feature". For some vehicles there are already available accessories or published modifications for defeating this. The hope is that somebody out there is collecting all the available ways to escape this "feature" (vehicle choices or defeat techniques).

82 people found this helpful.

The EPA does not give a damn about your safety as long as you save a teaspoon of gas while you get run down in an intersection. This is a good subject to put to your congressman.

103 people found this helpful.

Read this. https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/start-living-with-stopstart-technology

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When you shop for a car remember that the car salesman knows nothing about the cars they sell. They will lie and tell you all sorts of BS that they can't back up.

69 people found this helpful.
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No politician will be helpful. This is a textbook "politically incorrect" cause. The solution is vehicle choice (possibly buying used older models) or defeat mechanisms/techniques.

30 people found this helpful.

Who you vote for has a direct correlation to what is forced being down your throat. Ask yourself which party worships the EPA and hates cars? Eventually it will be a felony to defeat such things, count on it!

65 people found this helpful.
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Probably right regarding defeat techniques eventually being outlawed. This makes "vehicle choice" more attractive -- it will take decades to get all vehicles without auto stop-start off the roads. A 2019 Lexus RX 350 is likely to last a long time -- it's just a very expensive way to go...

8 people found this helpful.
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You can defeat it, just disconnect the negative rail battery sensor on main starter battery, this means the EMU cant read the SOC of battery and will not engage Stop/Start, it also disables smart charge and Alternator goes in normal default charge mode of 14.3 to 13.8 volts you then always get a fully charged battery, no 75% as with smart charge. You don`t need a replacement AGM battery any lead acid will do. your original AGM battery will last far longer with less starts and its one less level of electronics to go wrong.

114 people found this helpful.
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Thanks. On some vehicles (Jeep) people report success messing with the hood switch so that the system detects an open hood when it's really closed. I guess the battery sensor is another option. I assume that with this you also get some idiot light to light up. One key question is whether this may void the warranty. Even if you reconnect the sensor before taking the vehicle to the dealer, there may be a record somewhere in the vehicle that the sensor has been disconnected for a long time and you failed to get it fixed. It is ridiculous that manufacturers are making people go through these hassles just to get rid of this "feature" without providing a supported way out. I understand that this is all due to the CAFE standards. However, I would be happy to pay more to get a vehicle that officially allows you to permanently disable the "feature"...

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S/S is awful foe the drive-ability experience. I've had them in rentals and they suck, suck, suck. It's a technology rammed down our throats due to ridiculous CAFE and emission regulations. The "feature" is a joke, creating unnecessary expense and complexity just to pass an arbitrary government test. When you factor in the cost and maintenance of the system against the minuscule fuel saving (assuming people even leave it on) I bet it's net money loser. But this doesn't matter. It's all about how to pass the "gubment" test.

37 people found this helpful.
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Clearly engine stop-start (ESS) is a "feature" that quite a few people hate but some people like. For us "haters", it would be good to collect information about defeat methods. Hopefully, this would be done by somebody who actually understands all the tradeoffs involved (I don't qualify). There is a lot of info around about different techniques or devices that are claimed to work for specific vehicle brands/models. It is hard to get reliable objective evaluations of the effectiveness and/or potential problems with these solutions. There are also many brands/models for which it is impossible to find any (claimed) working techniques. Some of the techniques reported for some vehicle brands/models may work for others. It appears that none of these techniques work for all vehicles. 1) There are some devices that change the settings in the car control computer module to disable ESS. Unfortunately, these are only available for a limited set of vehicles. A) https://www.smartstopstart.com/ available for some Jeep-Dodge-Chrysler Chevy-Buick Cadillac-GMC B) https://www.autostopeliminator.com/ available for some Ford GM C) https://www.4dtech.com/startstop available for some Ford 2) There are various ways to mess with the switch/button that some vehicles have that temporarily disables ESS. A) https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Start-Stop-Memory-module-with-SERVICE-MODE-Start-Stop-SSA-memory-/322352078637 available for some AUDI VOLKSWAGEN SEAT SKODA B) Physically shorting a couple of wire in the switch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf0dQEUg9VQ Works for some Ford models C) Jamming the button in the pushed position. https://www.kiastinger.org/threads/1631-How-to-permanently-disable-Auto-Start-Stop Works for some Kia models 3) Various ways to provide false sensor information to the car control computer so that some condition for enabling ESS appears to be violated. A) Disconnecting the hood sensor https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/auto-stop-start-ess-permanent-disable-defeat-by-unplugging-hood-sensor.3216/ Works for some Jeep models B) Disconnecting the main battery state of charge sensor.

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I THOUGHT WE LIVED UN AMERICA! PRO CHOICE/ LAND OF THE FREE! JUST FORCE ME TO BE CHIPED LIKE MY LOST AND THEY TAKE AWAY ALL MY RIGHTS! PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN, WHERE AT LEAST I KNOW I'M FREE? NOT SO SURE ANYMORE. LOOKING TO BUY MY RETIREMENT CAR. MAYBE WE NEED TO BUY FORGIEN NNNNNN??

21 people found this helpful.
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Chip me like my cat, so they know where I am 24/7. It will hender "NEW CAR SALES" to a point...It's not progress. Allow me to choose my features on my new car.

21 people found this helpful.
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It is really no longer meaningful to talk about "domestic" vs. "foreign" cars. Anyway, almost all new foreign brand cars have auto start-stop. The requirement for this "feature" in at least as strong in Europe. It would be useful to have a list of new cars without auto start-stop or with the ability to permanently disable it. One car (crossover) that I believe fits the bill is the Lexus RX 350. So, if you want to spend $50K+ on a car, you are all set...

22 people found this helpful.
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looks like no one had a list. so question not answered.

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I mentioned earlier a defeat method, disconnect the sensor connected to the negative rail of the starter battery, on Mercedes models SLK R172 CGI and C-class CGi both petrol this disconnect has absolutely NO issues what so ever, there are NO cel lights on dash and the cars alternator charges at the required voltages for an AGM battery 13.8 to 14.2. Both my cars have this disconnect and both have passed the UK mot`s and emission tests. On the SLK stop/start light goes out, on the c Class it never turns green. On the Merc`s you will loose brake hold, other than that everthing works as normal, I have been running the disconnect for the last 8 months, this disconnect is no different to the senor failing, if it caused an engine problem the EMU would throw a CEL, it does NOT on these two cars, simple to try, unplug and replug, with the sensor disconnected there is no need to code a new battery, the EMU does not car because it can`t read the SOC of the battery. Hope this is helpful.

16 people found this helpful.
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Responding to UKBob's message above. I saw the message that you posted here about this on March 24. Some time later (March 30) I posted here a summary of various defeat methods I found and your method is included there. The question with various methods one can find on the internet is always the same: for which specific car models do they work and what are the specific downsides of specific methods for specific car models. It is clear that methods that work on some car models do not necessarily work on others. A method that works for one model year may not work for another model year. Take, for example, the idea of disconnecting the main battery state of charge sensor. Presumably, this means that some gauge of the state of the battery displays a false reading. That may be okay. The question is does it cause problems for cars other than Mercedes SLK R172 CGI and C-class CGi. There are multiple companies now selling defeat devices for specific car models. Some enterprising person, with the appropriate technical knowledge, can probably make money building a website that will be a clearinghouse for auto start-stop defeat methods (both commercial and free). An example summary of mechanisms, specific to Ford F150, can be found at https://www.car-auto-repair.com/solutions-for-disable-auto-start-stop-on-ford-f150-trucks/

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Noess said, Disconnecting the battery sensor gives a false reading. Actually it gives NO reading as it has been disconnected, exactly the same as if it had failed. If this particular sensor failed it would have no detrimental effect on the function of the car. If the EMU can`t read the soc of the battery it will to default to pre-programed regime written into its memory otherwise the alternator would either not charge or charge incorrectly for the type of battery fitted by the manufacturer. This disconnect works on Ford, BMW, VW and others, it not only gets rid of stop/start but also gets rid of smart charging which then enables the alternator to always attempt to fully charge the vehicles battery unlike with smart charging which attempts to charge the battery as little as possible usually to a max of 75% relying on the intermittent charging from regeneration to fill the other 25%, smart charging is the main reason modern cars are suffering from flat batteries. Disconnecting this sensor is simple, quick and if it does not work to ones satisfaction just reconnect it, my Merc has been running with this disconnect for 8 months with NO issues what-so- ever, if anyone has a mind to try this please post results so all can see, Rob.

18 people found this helpful.
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UKBob's method above (disconnecting the battery state of charge sensor) sounds great. I do hope that more people try it and report results. I am trying to determine, *prior to purchase*, cars with which I will not be stuck with auto start-stop that cannot be *permanently* defeated. Hence, I cannot try various schemes myself. For example, I am wondering whether UKBob's method works with the 2019+ Acura RDX. Similarly, there is the question regarding the method of disconnecting the hood sensor and the method of jamming pushed the button that temporarily turns off auto start-stop.

4 people found this helpful.
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Quote jamming pushed the button that temporarily turns off auto start-stop.quote Jamming button down no longer works, I had one of the first BMW mini`s with stop/start, I superglued the button in a pushed down position, before doing that I pushed the button down then started the car, in the Mini`s case stop/start stayed off, unfortunately the manufactures figured that one out and it no longer works.

8 people found this helpful.
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Pretty soon governments will force manufacturers to completely disable cars if the prerequisites for auto start-stop or not met during, say, 72 hours of operation. So, if you disconnect the hood sensor or the state of charge sensor, after three days the car will fail to start... BTW, I have recently verified that (as I thought) there is at least one 2019 car that definitely does not have auto start-stop: Lexus RX (non-hybrid). It is possible that this will change for 2020 (a model "refresh"). While I have not done extensive research about this, I have not found any other 2019/2020 CUV/SUV (hopefully lower cost) that has escaped this "feature".

10 people found this helpful.
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This is an addendum to the message I posted a couple of months ago with a summary of auto start-stop defeat methods. The two additions are both commercial products. I have no idea whether they work. I am posting this just in case it helps somebody. 1) Defeat devices for a couple of Toyota models are shown at http://iocanetech.com/ 2) There is a company in Germany that is marketing defeat devices for many different car brands. They even include a "universal" device (which makes you wonder why they have different devices for many different brands). They are at https://www.carelectronic-webshop.de/en/car-memory-modules/deactivation-engine-stop-start-system/

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Quote So, if you disconnect the hood sensor or the state of charge sensor, after three days the car will fail to start. Quote. You don`t have to actually disconnect the sensor, one owner of an SLK55, named COL on the SLK forum decided to break the signal wire near to the sensor plug and then route a thin cable into car with a switch, he states it works OK, his reasoning was that he could switch the system back on in seconds if needed. Consider if you are touring and the sensor fails, are you suggesting after 72 hours the car won`t start because of this failure, don`t think that will happen.

6 people found this helpful.
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Maybe 72 hours will not happen. However, if we have widespread use of defeat methods, there will be countermeasures. For example, testing during periodic smog inspections. It is important for defeat methods to be reversible so that the original operation can be restored before government inspections, service at the dealer, or resale of the car. So, my hope is that the state of charge sensor can be easily disconnected and reconnected without cutting/splicing wires. That is yet another question that can only be answered for specific car models on a case by case basis.

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Twice, this has hsppened. While driving the auto stop start STOPPED my chevy cruze. Everything OFF. steering wheel locks. Once was when on an off ramp behind a slow 2 ton delivery truck. Another house hunting on a suburban street. I took my foot off all pedals, gradually slowing down.....slam....wheels lock up. Panicing, I hit the brake and gas to stsrt the car. What vehicles do NOT have this crazy feature...?

18 people found this helpful.
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Catamundo, If you hate stop/start and you have this (pic) on the negative lead of your starter battery disconnect it, this will disable stop/start and smart charging, your alternator will then charge always attempt to fully charge your battery, with smart charge active the alternator under engine power will NOT charge the battery if the state of charge is over 75%. Try it (no different to sensor failing), if you don`t like just reconnect 2 wire plug.

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Hei tanx alot......youhave been infinitely more knowledgeable and helpful than our GM dealer... Catamundo....

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Catamundo, once you have tried UKBob's method, please report the results. It will help if you include the precise model and year of your Cruze. Dealers are unlikely to provide any information about defeat methods due to concern about business and legal implications (the manufacturer is likely to object to "unauthorized modifications" and government agencies may fine manufacturers if dealers are enabling defeat methods).

4 people found this helpful.
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Here is a link to SLK forum, and Cols post which started it. Col #104 Old 3 Weeks Ago, page 6 I had a bit of time on my hands this evening so I have now implemented my switch idea. I had the switch already left over from another project and some 2 core cable of the appropriate size. I routed the 2 core to the cabin from the battery compartment using the convenient grommet just behind the battery. The sensor wiring has a red power cable connected to the positive battery terminal and a blue one which is the sensor output to the rear SAM. I’ve put the switch in the blue signal line. I’ve installed the switch in the kick panel above the pedals, so it’s in reach from the driver’s seat but out of sight. So now with the switch closed it’s OEM behaviour and with it open stop/start and brake hold are disabled but crucially cylinder deactivation is unaffected! https://www.slkworld.com/slk-r172-general-discussion/528785-start-stop-eco-tech-load- bull.html https://www.slkworld.com/slk-r172-general-discussion/523458-eco-start-stop-slk55- switching-off.html

1 people found this helpful.
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For anyone messing the the SOC sensor, there is a AAA Service Advisory that may be useful. It has nothing to do with auto start-stop; just some general info related to the sensor. It is unclear (to me) from the pictures whether it is easy or difficult to disconnect and possibly reconnect the sensor. https://aaacampus.aaa.biz/wp-content/uploads/roadside_assistance_lockout/service_advisories/files/SA-12.pdf

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Quote It is unclear (to me) from the pictures whether it is easy or difficult to disconnect and possibly reconnect the sensor. quote. Disconnecting the sensor plug is quick and easy but you must be careful when undoing the locking clip which may be slightly different in varying makes of vehicle. Electrical connectors release method. go to link below. Rob. https://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?threads/electrical-connectors-release- method.121777/ Here is the easy solution, no tools required... Pull the grey tab up 1 or 2 clicks. Now, Squeeze the top of the grey tab towards the connector block; this lifts the bottom of the tab away from a small latch on the connector. While squeezing the tab in, gently pull the connector apart. When you see the small catch, it's clear how it all works... ... As with many things MB, it's so much easier the 2nd time....

6 people found this helpful.
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To give credit where credit is due: Kia appears to have some models without auto start stop. In the US, Kia calls this "feature" "idle stop & go". According to Kia's website, the 2019 Kia Sorento and the 2020 Kia Telluride are free of this "feature". It seems that in other countries Kia calls this "feature" "intelligent stop & go" and in some places the 2019 Kia Sorento *does* have it (I don't know about the Telluride).

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Unfortunately, it turns out that disconnecting the state of charge (SOC) sensor is not a universal solution. Over at https://acurazine.com/forums/fifth-generation-tlx-2015-415/how-bypass-ais-stop-start-feature-977159/ user Temp_A-Spec reports his efforts to disable stop/start on an Acura. In message #5 he reports the result of disconnecting the SOC sensor. The problem is that it causes a "charging error" warning. You don't want to get used to ignoring this warning! Somebody else claimed that on all Honda/Acura products you would get a "charging system problem" warning. So, as expected, it cannot be assumed that any defeat method is usable on all cars. Too bad!

1 people found this helpful.
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If that is the case just purchase one of these from Ebay, £4.50, plug it in cig socket and view the real time charging of battery, if the charge rate is correct between 14.4 and 13.8 volts everything is OK. The only reason for the light is to indicate whether there is under charging or over charging, the Ebay device shows you that with more accuracy.

3 people found this helpful.
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To add, the EMU can`t connect to the sensor so it puts a light up, that`s it, the Ebay voltage monitor will show at what level the battery is actually being charged at, battery should now charge continuously, no need to leave device in permanently, best for a couple of days or so then now and again just to check. Check monitor against a multi-meter for accuracy.

4 people found this helpful.
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My view is that defeat methods are not worthwhile if they require you to change the way you normally interact with the car. In that case, just use the temporary disable button. The person who tried disconnecting the SOC sensor on an Acura also reported that this disabled the remote start feature. The best defeat methods are those that involve directly modifying the operation of the temporary disable switch -- no interference with sensor information and no modification of any firmware/software. For example, there is a commercial product that looks like a particularly clean solution for some Ford/GM cars https://www.autostopeliminator.com/ (I have no idea whether it actually woks!)

5 people found this helpful.
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Quote, The person who tried disconnecting the SOC sensor on an Acura also reported that this disabled the remote start feature. Quote. You can`t have everything, on the Merc you loose the brake hold function, for me, I didn`t trust that function and didn`t even know the car had it for the first 18 months of ownweship. It all depends on how much you hate stop/start and what is the trade off, For the Merc`s there is NO choice other than the sensor disconnect, it works and other than brake hold the car drives normally. As said earlier with this hack you also get rid of energy regeneration which means the system will now always attempt to fully charge the battery under engine power, that equates into the battery lasting longer, what`s to loose. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBJ_J-o-drc

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So, when shopping for a car: 1) choose one that doesn't have engine stop-start (ESS) (e.g., 2019 Lexus RX); if that's not possible, 2) choose a car that has an ESS defeat method that has *no* impact on the normal operation of the car (most likely some mod of the temporary disable switch); if that's not possible, 3) choose a car with an ESS defeat method that has minimal consequences on the normal operation of the car (e.g., Mercedes and SOC disconnect); if that's not possible, 4) learn to live with ESS and remember to push the temporary disable button or learn to live with problematic ESS defeat methods (e.g., apparently Honda/Acura and SOC disconnect).

2 people found this helpful.
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UKBob's battery method works on the 2019 Subaru Forester. No warning lights either. So far , after a week, no problems. Thanks for the advice.

4 people found this helpful.
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Glad it helped GuruHV2DX, Merc is now into 9 months with disconnect and no issues.

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I bought a 2019 Subaru Outback because it does not have s/s. the 2020 does.

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Most Nissans do not have it. According to Autotrader, they are studying it, but see no point.

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Update, I did the sensor disconnect on my 2015 SLK for about 9 months, no eml no issues, reconnected sensor and sold car this week, within 2 miles stop/start started to work as normal.

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I too bought a 2019 Subaru without the start stop. I would buy an older car and have a new engine put in it before I buy one with s/s.

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Hopefully, people are telling dealers that they will not purchase vehicles where auto stop-start cannot be configured permanently off. Perhaps this will motivate manufacturers to offer this as an option. For a vehicle that I otherwise like, I would pay, say, an extra $1K to not have to deal with workarounds etc. BTW, it looks like the Autotrader story mentioned above about Nissan is from 2014. I just randomly checked the Nissan website for the Rogue and it seems that it does have auto stop-start. I expect that in 2-3 years it will be impossible to find *any* new vehicle without auto stop-start or where this "feature" can be permanently configured off.

6 people found this helpful.
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As already said, get rid of the battery sensor, this will ensure you battery lasts at least twice as long as it would with sensor connected, doing this stops energy regeneration which then ensures your battery is always fully charged or near to. These two systems give only marginal fuel gains but far exceed those gains in the long run. With the regen working the driver never knows whether the battery is fully charged or near to flat, try it and see, I have just sold my SLK, reconnected the sensor and within 2 miles everything worked as before.

3 people found this helpful.
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Sorry, I meant, These two systems give only marginal fuel gains but replacing battery early and cost of AA call out for flat battery, or inconvenience of flat battery at airport etc far outweigh those gains in the long run.

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Costs to the consumer are never taken into consideration. If you have to spend a thousand a year to replace batteries and starters to save 1 cup of gas the EPA will say it is money well spent.

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Unfortunately, as I wrote in a previous post, people have tried the battery sensor disconnect workaround with some Acura models and it didn't work well there. So, it's clearly a good solution for some cars, but not all. I was seriously considering purchasing an Acura RDX, but have now removed it from consideration strictly due to the auto stop-start issue. The comment about the EPA not caring about the consumer is accurate. Also, we are yet to find out the impact on the environment from the disposal of all the old batteries from hybrids and EVs.

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NOT ONE OF YOU POSTED A REAL ANSWER TO THE QUESTION MAZDAS DO NOT HAVE THIS RIDICULOUS AND HORRIBLE START STOP

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Unfortunately, it seems that at least some Mazdas do have auto stop-start (they call it "idling stop" or "i-stop"). For example, see https://www.joemyersmazda.com/blog/2018/november/30/can-you-turn-off-mazda-idling-stop-technology.htm This has already caused some people to develop work-arounds: https://no-cache.net/projects/mazda-how-to-disable-istop/

7 people found this helpful.
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Well Guys I have now sold the SLK, reconnected the sensor, scanned the car and found mention of sensor disconnect in rear sam module, erased error with scanner, stop/start came back into play after about 2 miles, so car was back to normal, sold car to Evans Halshaw who checked car thoroughly, after 9 months with disconnect in play car had no issues so hack is totally safe, no after a Porsche Cayman 981, will do the same to that and let you guys know, Rob

2 people found this helpful.
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To find out which cars have auto stop-start and which do not, an excellent source is https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml For any car you are interested in, go to the "Specs" tab to get the information. Out of curiosity, I looked at a few very high end cars. One piece of interesting info: The 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider appears to be available either with or without auto stop-start. The EPA MPG ratings are *identical*. The only difference appears to be that the model with auto stop-start produces 8.2 tons of CO2 emissions per year while the model without produces 8.3 tons. However, the total greenhouse gas emissions are *the same*. For *that*, they are causing all these hassles for auto stop-start. Amazing!

12 people found this helpful.
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Question for those like me that have never driving a car with this Stop/Start, does the steering wheel lock up when you car is stopped at stop light? Does AC or Heat stay on while you are stopped at stop light or traffic?

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Now have my new to me 2013 Porsche Cayman, stop/start deactivated on first day of ownership, drives normally with NO issues what-so-ever. https://youtu.be/x9UML_jDKL0

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On my 2018 BMW X5, I have the option to turn the "stop/start" off--and when I turn it off, it stays off (even if I restart the engine) until I turn that option back on. I started shopping BMW for this exact reason and I'm very happy. (I hated my 2016 MDX because it kept coming back on every time I started the engine...never again.)

2 people found this helpful.
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Regarding the BMW X5, a quick google search indicates that, some time after June 2018, BMW changed their policy and auto stop start can no longer be permanently turned off. This is clearly the the trend with almost all manufacturers.

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Regarding the battery sensor/temp sensor. Read this garbage below, Ask yourself, are batteries lasting longer with this sensor installed. As said, my C Class Coupe Merc has been running for 12 months with this sensor disconnected (no stop/start and no smart charging), the battery is dated 0911, that`s Sept 2011, it is the original battery. https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad- or-failing-battery-temperature- sensor

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I bought a 2019 Buick Encore and it does NOT have the stop/ start. Was told only the upgrade package has it. Mine is the Encore Perfered!

5 people found this helpful.
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That appears odd, you can upgrade to stop/start, that`s more like a downgrade if you ask me LOL.

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2019 honda pilot and crv do not have auto ss. 2020 models do

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On my 2019 Volvo XC60 (and on the XC90), you can turn off the auto start-stop "feature". It will permanently remember your choice!

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Good for Volvo, putting customers first.

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I have not found a work around on my 2018 GMC Terrain Denali but I did have the 1 year old battery replaced by the dealer this week. That's the only reason the start/stop feature stopped working, battery failure. Not sure whether the feature contributed to the short battery life or was it just coincidence?

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Guru2MFV6 Here is how to do it, if you are uncomfortable just reconnect, the Merc was disconnected 14 months ago, both Mercs battery`s are over 8 years old and still show 12.7/.8 volts, it`s not just stop start that`s killing your battery it`s also smart charging. By disconnecting the sensor you get rid of both of them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9UML_jDKL0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMmhGK8za3Q

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My auto stop start on my 2016 encore buick made me wreck as,car stopped then restarted and ramming into the work bench in my garage causing 2000 damage. I traded it with 10000 miles on it for a 2016 Subaru with35000 miles that doesn't have that feature. Now I want a new car but not with that feature

3 people found this helpful.
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Just disconnect the battery sensor attached to the neg rail of battery, works on Mercs and Porsche, see my earlier posts.

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My 2019 GMC terrain has auto stop, hate it, Found out that if you disconnect the plug which runs to the open hood switch, runs right along the top of the radiator top bracket plain sight wen you open the hood. If the hood is open then mechanic can work on car without engine shutting off. So I found an online place that sells a module which simply connects in between the connector to this hood switch $125 at the time. Works great, it just delays the computer from seeing the closed hook switch for a second or two making the computer think it is open and in maintenance mode. Then it close the circuit again automatically turning off the open hood warning on the instrument display. If you don't mind looking the warning open hood just disconnecting this connector will fix the problem too. Other cars may work the same way.

1 people found this helpful.
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I'm on the hunt for a new car to buy for 2021, but then I noticed the really dumb Stop/Start engines, so then I started looking at foreign cars, and nearly every one of those have another really dumb idea... the CVT transmissions. I don't want the ESS or the CVT. Most American car makers aren't advertising the ESS, probably because they know most buyers don't want it, so they're sneaking it into the cars. I think, the dealers will probably start pushing the CVTs as automatic transmissions, in order to hide what they really are. The mainstream media is lying and deceiving people, so why can't the car makers in America? My other complaint are the car makers coming out with 8, 9, and 10 speed automatics. A bit of an overkill... isn't it? I don't see any reason to go higher than a 6 speed automatic unless you want to increase the chance for an AT to break down. I was looking at one car, and I wanted cruise control, but I wasn't able to get it unless I wanted the option package that would cost me over $2700! The car makers are darn thieves anymore. Another ripoff... having black paint is free, but all other colors would cost me $450 each. The option packages should be in much smaller packages, maybe, $500 each, not in the thousand$. If American made cars would stop jerking buyers around, like shoving ESS down our throats, and let the foreign cars have their CVT and ESS, the foreign car makers would get their doors blown off. Just give me a medium size sports sedan w RWD w/ a limited slip rearend, w/ a 6 speed automatic transmission, and without ESS, I'll be a happy customer.

5 people found this helpful.
10

I own a nissan titan without auto stop and sporting a 5.6 litre V8 engine ,rear wheel drive,394 horsepower, and it reminds me of the old days. quick,nimble ,very comfortable,rides like the old Cadillacs, has body on frame, chrome bumpers ,not plastic, lots of family room, and ya all can keep your front wheel drive plastic rubber cars with nothing underneath them.

1 people found this helpful.

I have a big issue in this technology that let me hate this option. I have a Traverses 2018, recently I have noticed that the engine is start immediately after stop. I mean , once the car stop, the engine is turn off then on in a second . this happening always once the air climate is on . I send the car to the service center ( Authorized dealer ) and since then they are not figuring out the problem. any body know any information about this, why the car is off and on in a second while should stay on off mode until I release my foot from the break … looking for help  

40

To Mark Helpful. I have a problem with replacing my starter prematurely. Want to say more.

1 people found this helpful.
40

Sorry, I take that back. I mean it only if you support this feature. You seem to go back and forth on this feature. Typical.

40

This feature only costs us more money in prematurely replacing a starter and other parts before normal. a far as the environment, see what Chinas, and Indias output of pollution is compared to ours.

3 people found this helpful.
10

I have not read all of these, but the ones I have concentrate on changing the set up of the vehicle in some way. I recently bought a GMC Terrain and quickly found that I could change my driving habits. As I approach the stop, I stop, but just barely. I immediately slightly let up on the brake for a slight roll. The vehicle thinks it has taken off, and will not shut off again until the next stop down the road. Work at it and see if your vehicle reacts the same. On mine after it stops once, it wont do the shut down again for so many miles. So making it think it stopped and took off eliminated it shutting down.

1 people found this helpful.

I've seen a video where the Mazda engine stop/start is very easy to disable. Just unscrew a switch from under an easily removed plaque near the hood latch. The Mazda also still uses an automatic transmission instead of CVT transmissions. Also, if you buy a Mazda w/ a turbo engine, you won't get the dreaded Cylinder Deactivation technology. So you can buy a new Mazda without iStop (engine stop/start), CVT, and CD for about $32,000.

Today I tried UKBobs solution to disconnect start stop on my 2020 Buick Enclave. After disconnecting the small plug from the negative terminal The auto stop was disengaged, and stays disconnected when I restart. The down side is the remote start will not work, but that is fine with me. The engine light also went on, and OnStar sent me a notice about 1 hour later. I hope they don't report me to the government. GJW

I actually did not realize this was such an issue. I actually hate start/stop. I plan on keeping my vehicles for a long time and this causes unnecessary wear and tear on the engine not to mention the emissions released every time you start your engine. Both of my 2019 cars do not have start /stop. I have a 2019 Toyota C-HR and a 2019 Honda Civic Type R and both cars are fun to drive for different reasons. If you do not like start stop, take a look at some Hondas and Toyotas.

20

Great news, due to chip shortage GM decide to make some vehicles without the bullshit star stop "feature". If this "feature" is really hated by the public as we assumed then GM should learn a thing or two from the sale of the new fixed vehicles.

2 people found this helpful.
10

Hate stop/start. Caused me to have my first accident in over 60 years of driving. Looking for a new car again, without stop/start. Can't stand it.

1 people found this helpful.

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