Auto Stop/Start feature
I just purchased a 2020 Kia Soul LX and did not know it had this Auto Stop/Start feature. Do they all have this? I don't like it. My 2015 only had the auto ECO feature which did not shut engine down when stopped or braking. Can this feature be turned off permanently?
13 Answers
Read your owners manual, there is probably a button or switch to deactivate it. But you have to do it each time you get into the car.
I have a 2020 Soul also, the auto shutoff can be disabled for the duration of your drive by pushing the "A off" button to the left of the steering column. It will then have a yellow light above the switch. You must do this every time you start the car but just the one time. I don't know of a permanent disable
I have looked everywhere and asked the same question. "how can I permanently shut off the auto START/STOP feature. And the reply has always been the same. you can't. This feature has pissed me off so many times I could rip it out of the damn car. when you trying to merge into traffic on a highway and you have to wait for an opportunity to hit the gas...This feature hesitates just long enough to get you killed. I hate this with a passion and I get full tilt postal every time it activates. I HATE IT >>>I HATE IT >>>I HATE IT idiots all
I am having problem with Check engine light that is suppose to go off and I noticed that still on. I don't know what am I suppose to do about engine light still on. There is nothing wrong with that car.
I asked at my local Kia dealership when I took mine in for service and they specifically said that this feature cannot be turned off permanents (and the ones that drive Kias too don't particularly like the feature either). I just try to remember that part of my start up process includes pushing the button that Michael above mentioned.
Guru94L5KR answered 4 years ago
Once you get used to turning it off by pressing the button, it's not a problem at all. Make it part of the start up of your car while it's going through its system check. I press the 'Confirm' on the screen, and then automatically press the button to turn off the start/stop right after that. I don't always remember to press the button if make a quick stop at the post office or the library, but for the most part, it's a habit.
Guru99TXGJ answered 4 years ago
I too have the start stop feature on a 2021 KIA SOUL. I did not realize the button has to be pushed every time when the car is started to stop this function! I would think the replacement of a new starter in a couple years out ways the miniscule fuel savings I will receive. It is so ANNOYING a stall every time to get the car started and moving. KIA at least should give the owner a choice to turn it on. Very dissatisfied with this feature
Try jamming a toothpick in the switch so it stays on all the time. That way you can remove the toothpick if you don't like it or you're going into the dealership for service.
https://sharkracing.com/isg-and-auto-hold-memory-module-various-applications/
Guru9W3PQJ answered 3 years ago
My 2020 Soul's Start/Stop feature has begun to cut off the ignition while the vehicle is still moving. Then turning it back on. Causing a huge backfire. With flash or flames coming out from under the car, below the driver's door. Scary !! Gary
I have a solution that worked very well on my 2020 and 2021 Kia Soul. If you have the disable button on the dash with a blank space on either side, this should work for you. You can make it yourself or I will send you one of these units so you can just drill 2 small holes and install it yourself for $25 plus shipping. This will include the item, 2 screws, drill bit, and instructions. Shouldn't take more than 5 minutes to install. If interested, contact me at JimBurnham@sent.com
Gentle lift off the brake pedal to restart the engine.