Ever hit a red light in your Traverse and felt that sudden engine shutdown? Then the slight jerk as it restarts when you release the brake? If you’re nodding your head right now, you’re probably one of many Chevy Traverse owners looking for ways to disable the Auto Stop feature. I’ll walk you through your options—from free DIY tricks to plug-and-play solutions—so you can decide what works best for your needs and budget.
What Is Auto Stop on Your Traverse and Why It Exists
Auto Stop (also called Stop/Start) automatically shuts off your engine when you come to a complete stop and restarts it when you lift your foot off the brake. Chevrolet introduced this feature to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
But here’s how it actually works: The system monitors over 15 parameters including battery charge, engine temperature, and climate control demands before deciding to activate. When conditions are right and you stop completely, the engine shuts off—but keeps accessories like lights and A/C running.
The system’s intelligence is actually impressive, but many drivers find the feature more annoying than helpful in daily driving.
Does Your Traverse Have a Factory Disable Button?
Before trying other methods, check if your Traverse already has a built-in solution:
- 2022-2025 Traverse: You’re in luck! Look for an “A” button with a circular arrow around it near your shifter. Press it once to disable Auto Stop for your current drive.
- 2018-2021 Traverse: Unfortunately, these model years don’t have a factory disable button. You’ll need to use one of the workarounds described below.
Free Methods to Disable Auto Stop in Your Traverse
The L9 Shift Trick
This is the easiest no-cost solution for 2018-2023 Traverse models:
- Start your vehicle normally
- Shift from Drive to the “L” position
- Tap the + paddle until you see “L9” on your dash display
That’s it! This simple maneuver keeps your transmission in its normal operating mode while preventing Auto Stop from engaging. The downside? You’ll need to repeat this every time you start your vehicle.
What about fuel economy? Traverse forum members report minimal impact—perhaps 0.5-1 MPG difference in real-world driving.
The Hood-Open Override
Your Traverse’s computer won’t activate Auto Stop if it thinks your hood is open. This creates another free workaround:
- Start your Traverse with the hood unlatched
- Close the hood after starting
While this works, it’s hardly convenient for daily use. However, this explains why many aftermarket solutions target the hood latch circuit.
Affordable Hardware Solutions (Under $20)
Hood-Latch Jumper Harness
For around $15, you can purchase a simple jumper that installs between your hood latch sensor and wiring harness. These clever devices:
- Use resistors to momentarily report “hood open” during startup
- Switch to “hood closed” afterward to prevent warning lights
- Keep your remote start functionality working properly
These are available on Amazon and automotive websites. Installation typically takes less than 10 minutes and requires no special tools.
One caution: Some owners of 2020+ models report check engine lights with certain jumpers if the resistance value isn’t correct for their vehicle.
Premium Plug-and-Play Solutions ($100-140)
Start/Stop Eliminator Switch
For 2022-2023 Traverse owners, companies like 4D Tech offer modules (around $99) that plug in behind your factory Auto Stop button. These smart devices:
- Remember your last button setting
- Automatically disable Auto Stop if you previously turned it off
- Require no permanent modifications
- Preserve all diagnostic functions
The installation is simple—just remove your center console trim piece, unplug the factory button, plug in the module, and reconnect the button.
SmartStopStart Module
For all 2018-2025 Traverse models, the SmartStopStart GEN II module (approximately $139) offers a comprehensive solution:
- Permanently remembers your Auto Stop preference
- Works with or without the factory disable button
- Connects at either the battery or hood latch
- Leaves no trace when removed for service visits
This solution works by intercepting and modifying signals to the engine computer based on your preferences.
ECU Reprogramming Option
Trifecta Performance Tune
For a more integrated approach, Trifecta Performance offers a specialized ECU flash (around $200) that completely disables Auto Stop through software.
This method:
- Permanently disables the feature until reflashed
- Requires no additional hardware after programming
- Needs their EZ-Flash cable for installation
The main drawback? Dealer software updates will overwrite your tune, and some service departments view ECU modifications skeptically regarding warranty claims.
Will Disabling Auto Stop Affect Your Traverse?
Impact on Mechanical Components
Good news: disabling Auto Stop won’t harm your vehicle. GM designs the Traverse with:
- Heavy-duty starters rated for hundreds of thousands of cycles
- Enhanced AGM batteries to handle frequent restarts
- Reinforced torque converters for stop/start operation
This means both using or disabling the system poses no mechanical risks. Real-world data shows starters easily handle 200,000+ restart cycles.
Warranty Considerations
Concerned about your warranty? The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers: GM would need to prove a direct link between your Auto Stop modification and any future failure before denying coverage.
For peace of mind:
- Keep plug-in modules easily removable
- Consider removing them before dealer visits
- Remember that ECU tunes are harder to hide from technicians
Remote Start Compatibility
Different disable methods affect remote start differently:
- Quality hood-latch jumpers preserve remote start functionality
- Button memory modules and SmartStopStart devices maintain all factory features
- Cheaper jumpers may trigger diagnostic trouble codes (particularly P257F)
Fuel Economy Impact
How much gas money will disabling Auto Stop really cost you?
GM claims a 3-4% improvement in city driving with the system active. Independent testing from Traverse owners shows real-world savings closer to 0.5-1.0 MPG in mixed driving.
| Driving Pattern | Est. Annual Fuel Cost Impact (12,000 miles) |
|---|---|
| Mostly City | $60-70 extra |
| Mixed Use | $35-50 extra |
| Mostly Highway | $10-30 extra |
Many owners feel this small cost is worth avoiding:
- The slight restart delay when lifting off the brake
- A/C temperature fluctuations during stops
- The subtle vibration during engine restart
Comparison of Auto Stop Disable Methods
| Method | Cost | Installation Difficulty | Permanence | Remote Start Compatible | Warranty Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Factory Button (2022+) | Free | None | Must press every drive | Yes | Yes |
| L9 Shift Trick | Free | None | Must set every drive | Yes | Yes |
| Hood Latch Jumper | ~$15 | Easy (5-10 mins) | Until removed | Most models | Yes |
| Button Memory Module | ~$99 | Moderate (15-20 mins) | Remembers setting | Yes | Yes |
| SmartStopStart | ~$139 | Easy-Moderate (10-30 mins) | Remembers setting | Yes | Yes |
| ECU Flash | ~$200 | Complex (30+ mins) | Until dealer update | Yes | Potential issues |
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Traverse
If you have a 2022-2025 Traverse:
- Use the factory button if you don’t mind pressing it each drive
- Add a memory module if you want it to remember your preference
If you have a 2018-2021 Traverse:
- Try the L9 shift method if you don’t mind setting it each time
- Install a hood latch jumper for a budget-friendly permanent fix
- Choose SmartStopStart for the most complete, hassle-free solution
All these solutions are reversible, unlikely to void your powertrain coverage, and won’t compromise safety or reliability. The right choice depends on your comfort with installation, budget, and how much the Auto Stop feature bothers you personally.
Ready to enjoy your Traverse without the stop/start interruptions? With these options, you can customize your driving experience exactly how you want it. Whether you choose the free L9 method or invest in a plug-and-play solution, you’ll be back to smooth, uninterrupted driving in no time.
