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About Stop/Start Technology

Stop/Start Technology* automatically stops and starts the vehicle’s engine under certain conditions. By turning off the engine when not needed, Stop/Start Technology can help improve fuel efficiency, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions (compared to the same vehicle with Stop/Start Technology not in use). 

How Stop/Start Technology works

Stop/Start Technology works automatically, so you don’t have to make any effort or monitor battery power. Intelligent sensors monitor vehicle and battery systems, restarting the engine when needed to meet passenger comfort requirements. This helps to maximize the frequency and duration the engine will remain in Auto Stop during normal driving conditions.

 

When you’re driving and your vehicle comes to a complete stop, Stop/Start Technology (if equipped) may turn off your vehicle’s engine. When this happens, the needle on the tachometer will move to the “Auto Stop” position. Under normal driving conditions, when you release the brake pedal, the engine will start automatically.

 

To maintain vehicle performance, conditions such as A/C, current battery charge or other reasons may cause the engine to automatically restart before you release the brake pedal.

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Related links and resources

Parking Assist

Adaptive Cruise Control

Electronic Precision Shift

Electronic Precision Shift-Lever

Q&As

How do I know if my vehicle has this feature?

  • If you notice your vehicle’s engine turning off when you come to a complete stop and turning back on when you release the brake pedal, your vehicle is equipped with Stop/Start Technology
  • If you see a position labeled “Auto Stop” on your tachometer, your vehicle has Stop/Start Technology
  • Some vehicles have a button to turn off Stop/Start. If you see this button, your vehicle has this feature and you may turn off Stop/Start Technology during the active key cycle

How do I disable this feature on my vehicle?

Some vehicles have a button to turn Stop/Start off for one ignition cycle. If the vehicle is equipped with the Stop/Start deactivation switch, you can push the switch to turn off Stop/Start. Stop/Start is turned off when the LED indicator on the switch is not illuminated. To help maximize the fuel economy benefit, Stop/Start is enabled each time the vehicle is started.

Are there instances when my Auto Stop may not occur and/or my Auto Start may occur?

 Yes. These include:

 

  • The driver has released the brake pedal
  • The minimum vehicle speed between Auto Stop events has not been reached
  • The engine or transmission has not sufficiently warmed up
  • The outside air temperature is not in the required operating range
  • The vehicle’s A/C or heat settings require the engine running to cool/heat the cabin
  • The transmission is shifted out of DRIVE. Exception: Some vehicles will allow an Auto Stop to be maintained when shifted into PARK
  • The vehicle’s battery needs to charge
  • The vehicle’s battery has recently been disconnected
  • The Auto Stop has lasted longer than the maximum allowed time
  • The vehicle’s hood is open
  • The driver has pressed the accelerator pedal
  • Certain driving modes may inhibit Stop/Start to maintain optimized performance (e.g., 4 Lo or Track modes, if equipped)
  • You’ve disabled the feature (if equipped with the Stop/Start disable switch)
  • Other reasons may cause Auto Stop not to occur or Auto Start to occur to maintain optimal vehicle performance

Do I have to worry about the life of vehicle components due to the increased number of vehicle engine starts?

No. As with the battery technology, the vehicle’s engine starting system and engine have been specifically designed to be robust to meet the extra demands of the increased Stop/Start activity.

Can I specially order a vehicle without Stop/Start Technology?

No. When Stop/Start Technology is standard on a vehicle model, it cannot be ordered without Stop/Start. Some vehicle configurations may come without Stop/Start Technology based on specific engine choices.

How do I jump-start a vehicle with Stop/Start Technology?

Jump-starting a vehicle with Stop/Start Technology is no different than jump-starting any other vehicle that is not a hybrid or electric vehicle. See your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for instructions on jump-starting the vehicle.

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To find out if your vehicle has this feature, contact your dealer or refer to your vehicle’s equipment list. Please check your Owner’s Manual for more information about features.