What auto start-stop does and why you might disable it
Auto start-stop is a feature that automatically shuts off your engine when you come to a complete stop — at a red light, in traffic, or at a stop sign — and restarts it when you press the gas pedal. The system is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during city driving, where you spend time idling.
Most drivers can disable it through a button on the dashboard or in the vehicle's settings menu. The button is usually labeled "A/S" or "Auto Stop" and sits within straightforward reach of the steering wheel. Pressing it once turns the feature off for that drive; you may need to turn it off again the next time you start the vehicle, depending on your car's design.
People disable auto start-stop for several reasons: the repeated engine cycling can feel jarring, some drivers find it distracting in heavy traffic, and a small number report that the feature puts extra wear on the starter motor over time. If you find yourself turning it off every time you drive, your vehicle's settings menu may let you set it to stay off by default.
Key Takeaways
- Most vehicles with auto start-stop have a dashboard button labeled "A/S" or "Auto Stop" that turns the feature off when ready.
- Disabling it through the button usually only lasts for that drive; the feature resets to on when you restart the engine the next time.
- Many vehicles let you change the default setting in the infotainment menu so auto start-stop stays off until you manually turn it back on.
- The exact location of the button and menu path varies by manufacturer, so your owner's manual or a quick search for your vehicle's year and model will show you where to find it.
Finding the auto start-stop button on your dashboard
The button is almost always mounted on or near the steering wheel, or on the center console close to the gear shift. Look for a button with an "A/S" symbol, or one that shows an engine with an arrow or slash through it. On some vehicles it sits on the left side of the steering wheel; on others it is on the right side or on the dashboard itself.
If you cannot find a physical button, your vehicle may control the feature through the infotainment screen instead. Check the main menu or settings section of your vehicle's touchscreen or digital display. The path usually reads something like "Vehicle Settings" or "Driver information" and then "Auto Start-Stop" or "Engine Auto Off."
Your owner's manual is the fastest way to locate it. Search for "auto start-stop," "auto stop," or "idle stop" in the index. If you do not have the manual, most manufacturers post them online — search your vehicle's year, make, and model plus "owner's manual PDF" to find it.
Turning off auto start-stop for a single drive
Press the button once. The dashboard will show a light or icon indicating that auto start-stop is now off. This setting lasts only for that drive cycle. When you turn off the engine and restart the vehicle later, auto start-stop will be on again by default.
Some vehicles show the status more clearly than others. You may see an "A/S Off" message on your instrument cluster, or a light on the button itself may turn off. If you are unsure whether you pressed it correctly, try it again — pressing it a second time usually turns the feature back on, so you will see the status change.
Setting auto start-stop to stay off by default
If you turn off auto start-stop every time you drive, you can change your vehicle's default setting so it stays off until you manually turn it back on. This is done through the infotainment menu, not the dashboard button.
The exact path depends on your vehicle's manufacturer. Common routes include: Main Menu → Vehicle Settings → Auto Start-Stop, or Settings → Driver information → Engine Auto Off, or Comfort Settings → Auto Start-Stop. Once you find the setting, you should see an option to toggle it on or off, or to set it as the default state when the vehicle starts.
Not all vehicles offer this option. Luxury and newer models are more likely to have it than older or budget models. If you cannot find it in the menu after checking your owner's manual, the feature may not be adjustable beyond the dashboard button.
What happens to your warranty if you disable it
Disabling auto start-stop through the button or menu does not void your warranty. The feature is optional — manufacturers design it to be turned off, and doing so is not considered misuse or tampering with the vehicle.
Your warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, not the choices you make about which features to use. Turning off a safety or efficiency feature is your decision to make, and it does not affect coverage for other parts of the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off auto start-stop use more fuel?
Yes, typically. Auto start-stop is designed to reduce fuel use during city driving by eliminating idle time. Turning it off means your engine runs during stops instead of shutting down, which increases fuel consumption. The amount varies based on how much city driving you do and how long you spend at traffic lights.
Will disabling auto start-stop damage my starter motor?
No. Modern starters are engineered to handle the repeated cycling that auto start-stop creates. Manufacturers test this extensively before the feature reaches production. Turning the feature off will not harm the starter, and leaving it on will not wear it out faster than normal driving would.
Can I disable auto start-stop permanently without using the menu?
Not through any permanent mechanical change. You can only turn it off through the dashboard button (which resets each drive) or through the vehicle settings menu (which may let you set it as the default). If your vehicle does not offer a menu option, you will need to press the button each time you drive.
What if the auto start-stop button is not working?
If pressing the button does not turn off the feature, or if the button feels stuck, have it inspected at a service center. A faulty button is usually a straightforward repair. In the meantime, check whether your infotainment menu has a setting you can use instead.
Does auto start-stop affect my vehicle's emissions test?
No. Emissions tests measure what comes out of your tailpipe under specific driving conditions set by the testing facility. Whether auto start-stop is on or off in your vehicle does not change the test itself. Your vehicle either meets the standard or it does not, regardless of which features you have enabled.