Are you tired of your Kia’s engine shutting off at every stoplight? That jarring moment when your vehicle goes silent, only to rumble back to life seconds later, can be annoying at best and downright frustrating at worst. Kia’s auto start-stop feature (officially called ISG – Intelligent Stop and Go) might save fuel, but many drivers find it more irritating than helpful.
What Is Kia’s Auto Start Stop System?
Kia’s auto start-stop system automatically shuts off your engine when you come to a complete stop and restarts it when you release the brake pedal. This technology aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by eliminating unnecessary idling time.
While the concept sounds great on paper, many Kia owners report that the constant stopping and starting:
- Creates an annoying driving experience
- Causes noticeable delays when accelerating from a stop
- Puts additional wear on engine components
- Feels particularly jarring in stop-and-go traffic
The Easy Method: Using the Built-in ISG Button
Every Kia equipped with auto start-stop includes a dedicated button to temporarily disable the system. This is your simplest option, though it requires repeating every time you start your car.
Where to Find Your ISG Button
The button location varies by model:
- Telluride, Sorento, K5, and Stinger: Located on the center console
- Soul and Seltos: Found on the driver’s panel to the left of the steering wheel
The button typically shows an “A” with a circular arrow around it. When you press it, a light illuminates to show the system is deactivated.
The Major Drawback
Here’s the catch—Kia designed the system to reactivate every time you restart your vehicle. That means you’ll need to press that button every single time you start your car if you want to keep auto start-stop disabled.
Method 1: The Free DIY Button Wedge Solution
If you’re looking for a permanent solution without spending money, this popular hack keeps your ISG button permanently pressed.
What You’ll Need
- A small piece of plastic (from an old credit card, gift card, or business card)
- Scissors to cut the plastic
- Optional: a small toothpick or folded paper for additional support
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start your vehicle
- Press the ISG button to turn off auto start-stop
- While keeping the button depressed, carefully wedge your small piece of plastic between the button and surrounding panel
- Make sure the button stays fully pressed and the indicator light remains on
- Test by turning off and restarting your vehicle—the ISG should remain disabled
Many Kia Soul owners report this simple hack has worked flawlessly for years without causing any issues.
Pro Tip
If you’re concerned about the appearance, you can purchase pre-made plastic wedges specifically designed for this purpose on Etsy or other marketplaces. These are typically color-matched to blend with your interior.
Method 2: Install an Auto Stop Eliminator Device
For those wanting a more polished solution, several aftermarket devices can permanently disable your Kia’s auto start-stop system.
Popular Options
AutoStop Eliminator
- Available for most Kia models
- Plug-and-play installation
- Maintains all vehicle functionality
4D Tech Start/Stop Eliminators
- Model-specific versions available
How These Devices Work
These small electronic modules plug directly into your vehicle’s existing wiring harness without any cutting or splicing required. They work by:
- Intercepting the signal from your ISG button
- Storing your preferred setting (off)
- Automatically sending the “disabled” signal every time you start your vehicle
Installation Process
Most eliminators can be installed in under 15 minutes:
- Locate your ISG button wiring harness (typically behind the center console)
- Disconnect the factory wiring connector
- Connect the eliminator device in-line between the factory connectors
- Secure the device with the provided clips or zip ties
- Test by starting your vehicle several times
This installation video demonstrates the straightforward process.
- 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 3: The “Brake Pedal Technique”
If you prefer not to modify your vehicle at all, some drivers have discovered a driving technique that prevents the auto start-stop system from activating.
How It Works
Kia’s auto start-stop system only engages when you press the brake pedal firmly to a complete stop. By using a lighter touch on the brake, you can stop the vehicle without triggering the system.
The Technique
- As you approach a stop, press the brake pedal only partially down
- Find the “sweet spot” where you’re fully stopped but haven’t activated the auto start-stop
- Only press harder on the brake when you actually want the system to engage
Telluride owners report this technique becomes second nature after a few days of practice. The downside is you’ll need to remain conscious of your braking pressure at every stop.
Which Kia Models Have Auto Start-Stop?
The ISG system is found on most modern Kia vehicles including:
| Model | Years With Auto Start-Stop |
|---|---|
| Telluride | 2020-2025 |
| Sorento | 2021-2025 |
| Soul | 2020-2025 |
| Seltos | 2021-2025 |
| Sportage | 2023-2025 |
| K5 | 2021-2025 |
| Stinger | 2018-2025 |
Situations When Auto Start-Stop Won’t Activate
Even with the system enabled, Kia has programmed specific conditions when auto start-stop won’t activate:
- Driver’s seatbelt is unfastened
- Hood or any door is open
- Battery condition is poor
- Climate control is working hard (defrosters running)
- Engine hasn’t reached optimal temperature
- Vehicle is on a steep incline
- Emission control systems are in an active cycle
According to the official Kia documentation, these safeguards are designed to prevent the system from activating when it might cause inconvenience or potential issues.
Will Disabling Auto Start-Stop Void My Warranty?
This is a common concern for Kia owners considering a permanent solution.
Button Wedge Method
Since this method only keeps a factory button pressed and doesn’t modify any electronic systems, it’s highly unlikely to cause warranty issues. The button is designed to be pressed—you’re just keeping it that way.
Electronic Eliminators
Quality manufacturers like AutoStop Eliminator specifically design their products to avoid warranty concerns. According to their FAQ, these devices:
- Don’t reprogram your vehicle’s computer
- Can be easily removed before service visits
- Connect to the vehicle in a non-destructive way
- Don’t interfere with other vehicle systems
If you’re still concerned, simply remove the device before taking your vehicle in for warranty service.
Fuel Economy Impact of Disabling Auto Start-Stop
How much fuel will you actually use by disabling this feature? According to real-world testing:
| Driving Condition | Estimated Fuel Economy Impact |
|---|---|
| Heavy city traffic | 3-5% decrease |
| Mixed driving | 1-3% decrease |
| Highway driving | Negligible impact |
For most drivers, the improved driving experience outweighs this small fuel economy penalty.
The Hidden Benefits of Disabling Auto Start-Stop
Beyond eliminating the annoyance factor, many Kia owners report additional benefits after disabling their auto start-stop system:
- Smoother driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic
- Reduced wear on starter components over time
- More consistent climate control (no A/C fluctuations at stops)
- Eliminated momentary hesitation when accelerating from a stop
- Reduced driver fatigue during city driving
Final Thoughts on Kia Auto Start-Stop
While Kia implemented auto start-stop with good intentions—improving fuel economy and reducing emissions—the real-world experience has left many drivers searching for ways to disable it. Whether you choose the simple button wedge, invest in an electronic eliminator, or master the brake pedal technique, you now have options to take control of your driving experience.
Remember that none of these methods will damage your vehicle or cause significant warranty concerns. They simply allow you to choose whether to use a feature that many find more frustrating than beneficial.
For most Kia owners who disable auto start-stop, the small sacrifice in fuel economy is well worth the improved driving experience and peace of mind.
