Ever found yourself at a red light when your Subaru’s engine suddenly shuts off, only to jerkily restart when you lift your foot off the brake? That’s the auto start/stop system in action—and if you’re reading this, you probably want it gone for good.
While Subaru designed this feature to save fuel, many drivers find it annoying, worrisome for engine components, or simply jarring during daily commutes. The good news? You’ve got options to disable it—from quick fixes to permanent solutions.
Why Subaru’s Auto Start/Stop Bothers So Many Drivers
Subaru’s system automatically shuts off your engine when you come to a complete stop, then restarts it when you release the brake. It’s meant to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, especially in city driving.
But here’s why many drivers can’t stand it:
- The restart can feel rough and unpredictable
- It adds wear to your starter and battery
- The constant stopping/starting creates an annoying driving rhythm
- In stop-and-go traffic, it activates repeatedly within seconds
While the system can improve fuel economy by 4-8% in urban driving, many owners decide the tradeoffs aren’t worth it.
Method 1: The Daily Button Press (The Official Way)
The simplest method (and the one Subaru officially supports) is pressing the auto start/stop disable button every time you start your car.
How to do it:
- Look for the button with the “A” with a circular arrow symbol
- Press it once after starting your car
- Repeat every time you start your vehicle
Pros:
- No modifications needed
- Maintains full warranty
- Works on all Subaru models with the feature
Cons:
- You’ll need to press it EVERY single time you start your car
- Easy to forget
As Reddit users note, this becomes part of your “ignition ritual” – start car, press button, adjust seat, buckle up.
Method 2: Use the Driver Profile System (2020+ Select Models)
If you have a 2020 or newer Outback, Legacy, or Forester with the Touring trim package, you might be in luck. These models have a driver monitoring system that can remember your auto start/stop preference.
How to set it up:
- Make sure the facial recognition system recognizes you
- Navigate to Car Settings > Driver Monitoring System
- Select “Update Seat & Mirror Position” after disabling auto start/stop
- The car will now remember your preference when it recognizes your face
This feature was expanded in the 2025 Forester models, which include a “Remember Settings” toggle under Car Settings > General that saves your auto start/stop preference to your driver profile.
Pros:
- Factory-supported solution
- Maintains warranty
- Truly “set and forget”
Cons:
- Only available on select higher-end trims
- Requires facial recognition to work consistently
- Not available for older models
Method 3: Install the Autostop Eliminator (Most Popular Solution)
The most widely-used permanent solution is an aftermarket device called the Autostop Eliminator. This small module installs behind your dashboard and automatically presses the “disable” button for you every time you start your car.
What you’ll need:
- Autostop Eliminator kit
- Basic tools (trim removal tools, 8mm socket)
- 20-30 minutes
Installation process:
- Remove the overhead console (where your sunglasses holder is)
- Disconnect the factory harness from the stereo camera
- Connect the Autostop Eliminator inline with the harness
- Reassemble the console
The Autostop Eliminator intercepts the auto start/stop enable signal, effectively mimicking the button press at each ignition cycle.
Pros:
- Truly permanent solution
- No daily button pressing
- Doesn’t modify your ECU (potentially warranty-friendly)
- Works on almost all Subaru models with auto start/stop
Cons:
- Costs around $100-130
- Requires some installation work
- Some users report occasional error codes
- AUTO STOP START ELIMINATOR: Disabling the auto start/stop feature on your vehicle has never been simpler. The 4D Tech auto start/stop eliminator is engineered to safely and reliably memorize your preference, and turn off this functionality on each start, automatically.
Method 4: The Brake Pedal Technique (No-Cost Option)
This method costs nothing but requires a subtle change in how you drive:
How it works:
- When stopping, apply just enough brake pressure to stop the car
- Don’t push the brake pedal all the way down
- Maintain this “light” pressure at stoplights
Subaru’s system only activates when:
- You come to a complete stop
- Brake pedal force exceeds a certain threshold (about 35N)
- The steering wheel is relatively straight
By feathering the brake, you can prevent the system from activating.
Pros:
- Free
- No modifications needed
- Maintains warranty
Cons:
- Requires constant attention
- Causes leg fatigue in stop-and-go traffic
- Not practical for everyone
Method 5: Use Sport Mode (Partial Solution)
Many Subarus with auto start/stop also come with SI-Drive, which includes a Sport Mode. Engaging this mode changes your car’s throttle response and can reduce how often the auto start/stop activates.
How to use it:
- Press your SI-Drive button to engage Sport mode (typically marked with an “S”)
- Drive normally
Testing shows Sport Mode extends engine idle time before shutdown by about 1.2 seconds, making the system less intrusive during brief stops.
Pros:
- No modifications required
- Reduces (but doesn’t eliminate) auto start/stop activations
- Adds no cost
Cons:
- Doesn’t fully disable the feature
- May reduce fuel economy
- Not available on all trim levels
Method 6: Software Updates at the Dealer
Subaru has been listening to customer feedback. Some dealers can now install software updates that make the auto start/stop function more user-friendly or even allow for permanent disabling in certain models.
How to get it:
- Call your local Subaru dealer
- Ask if there are any software updates for your specific model/year that address auto start/stop
- Schedule an appointment if available
A November 2024 software patch for 2025 Forester models introduced expanded settings for auto start/stop preferences. While these updates aren’t available for all models yet, Subaru may continue expanding these options.
Pros:
- Factory-authorized solution
- Maintains warranty
- Professional installation
Cons:
- May cost $75-100 for labor
- Not available for all models/years
- Depends on dealer willingness
Method 7: Battery Modification (Advanced Users Only)
This method is strictly for those comfortable with vehicle electronics.
The auto start/stop system monitors battery voltage through a Current Sensor Module. By installing a small resistor across this module, you can create a false “low charge” signal that prevents the system from activating.
What it involves:
- Installing a 100Ω resistor across the Current Sensor Module
- Basic soldering skills
- Access to the positive battery terminal
Pros:
- Very low cost (under $1 in parts)
- Completely prevents auto start/stop
Cons:
- Likely voids warranty
- Triggers dashboard warning lights
- Impairs actual battery monitoring
- For electrical experts only
Comparing All Methods: Which Is Right For You?
| Method | Cost | Effectiveness | Warranty Impact | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Button Press | $0 | Temporary | None | Low |
| Driver Profile | $0 | Permanent (select models) | None | Low |
| Autostop Eliminator | $100 | Permanent | Possible issue | Moderate |
| Brake Technique | $0 | Varies with skill | None | Moderate |
| Sport Mode | $0 | Partial | None | Very Low |
| Dealer Update | $75-100 | Model-specific | None | Low |
| Battery Mod | $1 | Permanent | High risk | Very High |
What About Your Warranty?
Many Subaru owners worry about warranty implications when modifying their vehicles. Here’s what you should know:
- The daily button press and brake technique have zero warranty impact
- Driver profiles and dealer updates are Subaru-approved methods
- The Autostop Eliminator is designed to be removable before dealer visits
- Any modification that changes ECU behavior or triggers warning lights could potentially affect warranty claims
According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your entire warranty just because you modified your vehicle. They must prove that your specific modification caused the failure you’re claiming under warranty.
The Environmental Impact of Disabling Auto Start/Stop
It’s worth considering the environmental effects of your choice. The auto start/stop system:
- Reduces annual CO2 emissions by about 0.3 metric tons per vehicle
- Saves 4-8% on fuel consumption in urban driving
- Costs the average driver about $127/year in additional fuel when disabled
However, proponents of disabling argue that reduced starter and battery replacements offset some of this environmental impact over the vehicle’s lifetime.
The Future of Subaru’s Auto Start/Stop
Subaru continues to refine this technology in response to customer feedback. The 2025 models show promising improvements with:
- Smoother restart operations
- More user-configurable settings
- Better integration with driver profiles
As emissions regulations tighten, auto start/stop will likely remain a standard feature, but with better implementation and more permanent disable options for those who prefer them.
Which Method Is Most Popular?
Based on forums and Reddit discussions, the Autostop Eliminator has emerged as the preferred solution for most Subaru owners who want a permanent fix. It balances effectiveness, ease of installation, and minimal warranty concerns.
For those with newer Touring models, the driver profile method offers the cleanest solution with no downsides. And for the budget-conscious, mastering the brake pedal technique provides a free alternative that works surprisingly well with practice.
Whichever method you choose, you can enjoy your Subaru without the constant on-off cycle that so many drivers find irritating. Happy driving!
