Can you turn off Chevy auto stop?
Yes. In most Chevrolet vehicles you can disable the Auto Stop/Start feature at least temporarily for the current drive, and in some models you can set it to stay off across trips. The feature is designed to boost fuel economy and reduce emissions, but many drivers prefer to disable it for certain conditions or driving styles.
Auto Stop/Start shuts off the engine at a complete stop and restarts when you release the brake or begin moving again. The availability, behavior, and persistence of the off setting depend on the model year and trim. This article explains how to turn it off on common Chevrolet models, what to expect after changes, and any caveats.
What Auto Stop/Start does in Chevrolet vehicles
When active, the system shuts off the engine at long enough stops to save fuel and reduce emissions, then restarts automatically as you prepare to move. Climate control, battery status, and other conditions influence when the engine stops and restarts. Some drivers notice a quick restart and a slight change in idle feel, while others may prefer not to experience the hiccup at each stop. Disabling the feature can improve perceived smoothness, but may affect fuel economy and emissions.
How to disable Auto Stop/Start on most Chevy models
Here are the typical steps you can try to turn off Auto Stop/Start. The exact label and location can vary by model and year.
- Look for a center-console button labeled with a circular arrow around the letter "A" or explicitly "Auto Stop/Start" near the gear shifter or parking brake.
- Press the button once to disable for the current drive. An "OFF" or "Auto Stop Off" indicator should appear on the instrument cluster or infotainment display.
- In some models, you may need to press and hold the button for 2–3 seconds to confirm the change.
- In others, you can disable Auto Stop/Start via Settings by going to the Vehicle or Powertrain menu in the infotainment system and turning OFF Auto Stop/Start there.
- Note that the feature often re-enables automatically after you restart the vehicle or under certain conditions (e.g., low battery, extreme engine temperature, or additional electrical load).
If you cannot locate a dedicated toggle, consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions or check the vehicle’s settings menu for an Auto Stop/Start option.
Concluding: The ability to disable Auto Stop/Start is common but not universal; always verify with your specific Chevy model and year, as some trims may not offer a persistent OFF option or may re-enable after an engine restart.
Permanent or dealer-level disable options
On some Chevrolet models or in certain regions, it may be possible to disable Auto Stop/Start more permanently through factory settings or software updates, typically via a Chevrolet service advisor or authorized dealer. Permanent changes can affect warranty coverage and emissions compliance, and are not universally supported across all models or markets. If you are considering a longer-term disable, discuss options with a service professional for your exact vehicle and local regulations.
For most drivers, a trip-by-trip off is sufficient, preserving warranty and compliance while giving you control when you need it.
Safety, reliability and practical considerations
Remember that the system is designed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. If you drive mainly in stop-and-go urban areas, turning Auto Stop/Start off may impact overall fuel economy. Some drivers notice smoother operation when the feature is disabled, while others may feel the restart is perceptible. Battery health and electrical load affect system reliability; a weak battery can cause the system to deactivate automatically or the vehicle to restart more slowly after a stop.
Summary
Most Chevrolet models provide a straightforward way to turn off Auto Stop/Start, at least for a single drive, using a dedicated button or through the vehicle’s settings. Some trims offer a persistent OFF option, while others revert to ON after each engine cycle. Always check your specific model year and trim, consult the owner’s manual or a Chevrolet dealer for model-specific guidance, and consider how disabling the feature may impact fuel economy, emissions, and warranty in your region.
