Why Kia Owners Want to Disable Auto Start/Stop
If you're searching for how to disable auto start stop Kia, you're not alone. Kia's Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system shuts the engine off every time you come to a complete stop — at red lights, in traffic, in drive-throughs — then restarts it when you lift off the brake. The intention is fuel savings, but in practice most drivers find the constant engine cycling jarring, slow to respond, and hard on the starter and battery long-term.
The frustration is the same whether you're driving a Kia Sportage, Sorento, Telluride, or Soul. Every time you start the car, the ISG system defaults back on — meaning you have to press that button again. This guide covers every method to turn it off, from the built-in button to a permanent hardware fix.
How Auto Start/Stop Works on the Kia
Kia calls its system ISG (Idle Stop & Go). When conditions are met — engine at operating temperature, battery sufficiently charged, climate control demand low — the engine cuts off automatically at a full stop. The moment you release the brake pedal, the starter motor fires the engine back up. On paper, this saves a small amount of fuel in stop-and-go traffic.
The system relies on a heavy-duty AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery and an enhanced starter motor to handle the extra start cycles. However, repeated micro-starts still add cumulative wear, and many owners notice a hesitation or lurch during the restart. The ISG button on the dash disables it for that ignition cycle only — every time you turn the key or press the start button, ISG reactivates by default.
How to Disable Auto Start/Stop on the Kia (Step-by-Step)
Method 1: Use the Built-In ISG Button (Every Ignition Cycle)
Every Kia model equipped with ISG has a dedicated dashboard button. It's the quickest way to turn off auto start stop on a Kia — but it resets every time you restart the engine. This method applies to all ISG-equipped Kias including the Sportage (2017–present), Sorento (2015–present), Telluride (2020–present), and Soul (2020–present).
- Start the engine and put the vehicle in Drive.
- Locate the ISG button on the center console or lower dashboard — it shows an A with an arrow encircling it (the universal stop/start icon).
- Press the button once. The ISG indicator light on the instrument cluster will illuminate or display "ISG OFF" to confirm the system is disabled.
- The system remains off for the remainder of that drive. On your next ignition cycle, it will reactivate automatically and you'll need to press the button again.
Note: Button placement varies slightly by model. On the Telluride and Sorento, the ISG button is typically on the center console near the gear selector. On the Sportage, it's usually on the lower center dash panel. Consult your instrument cluster — if ISG is active, the light is on; pressing the button turns it off.
Method 2: Infotainment or UVO Connect Settings (Select Models)
Some newer Kia models running ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) infotainment — found in the 5th-gen Sportage (2023+), updated Sorento (2024+), and EV6/EV9 — include vehicle settings accessible through the touchscreen. Note: Even when an ISG setting exists in the menu, it typically still resets on each ignition cycle unless paired with a hardware module.
- Tap the Settings icon on the main infotainment home screen (gear icon, bottom toolbar).
- Navigate to Vehicle → Driver Assistance or Vehicle → ISG Settings depending on your model year and software version.
- Toggle Idle Stop & Go to Off. If the option is grayed out, your trim level or software version does not support this path — use the physical button or the module method below.
Note: The Kia Connect (UVO) smartphone app does not currently offer remote ISG control. The infotainment path described above is only available on select 2023+ models with updated software. If you don't see the option in your menus, it's not available on your build — the button method and/or an aftermarket module are your only options.
Method 3: Install an Aftermarket Auto Start/Stop Disable Module (Permanent Fix)
The only way to permanently disable auto start stop on a Kia — without pressing a button every single time — is to install a stop/start eliminator module. These plug-and-play devices tap into the vehicle's OBD-II port or ISG button harness and automatically send the disable signal every time the car starts. No button pressing, no menu navigation, no resets. The system behaves as if you pressed the ISG button yourself, so it's transparent to the ECU and does not throw fault codes.
Important: Choose a module specifically designed for your Kia model and year. A universal OBD-II emulator module is the most common plug-in option and works across most ISG-equipped Kias. Installation takes under five minutes and requires no tools. These modules do not modify the ECU, void the powertrain warranty, or affect any other vehicle systems. If you ever want ISG back, simply unplug the module.
How to Disable Auto Start/Stop on Specific Kia Models
Kia Sportage Auto Start/Stop Disable
The Kia Sportage ISG has been standard on most trims since the 4th generation (2017–2022) and continues on the 5th gen (2023–present). The ISG button is located on the lower center dash panel to the right of the steering column on 4th-gen models. On the 5th gen, the layout shifts to the center console area. All Sportage ISG systems reset on every engine start. If you're tired of pressing the button daily, the OBD-II stop/start eliminator module is the cleanest solution — plug it into the OBD-II port under the dash and you're done.
Kia Sorento Auto Start/Stop Disable
The Kia Sorento has included ISG since the 3rd generation (2015–2020) and carries it through the 4th gen (2021–present). The ISG button is on the center console near the gear selector on both generations. The 4th-gen Sorento's larger infotainment screen (10.25") on higher trims may show ISG settings under Settings → Vehicle, but this still resets on restart. Sorento owners who tow or frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic report the most frustration with ISG — a permanent disable module is especially popular for this model.
Kia Telluride Auto Start/Stop Disable
The Kia Telluride (2020–present) features ISG across all trims. The ISG button sits on the center console to the left of the gear selector. With the Telluride's size and V6 engine, the ISG restart is more noticeable than on smaller Kias — the engine shutoff and restart vibration draws more complaints. The disable procedure is the same: press the button each ignition cycle, or install a stop/start eliminator module for a set-it-and-forget-it solution. There is no persistent software setting available on the Telluride as of current model years.
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→ Turn OFF Stop/Start For GoodDoes Disabling Auto Start/Stop Affect Your Kia Warranty or Battery Life?
Using the built-in ISG button is a factory-intended feature — Kia designed it to be pressed. There is zero warranty risk from using it. An OBD-II plug-in disable module also carries no warranty risk under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, as long as it doesn't cause a verifiable failure. Since these modules simply emulate a button press and don't alter ECU programming, they are considered non-invasive. If a dealer ever raises concerns, unplugging the module takes seconds.
As for battery life — disabling ISG can actually extend the life of your AGM battery and starter motor. The ISG system puts an unusually high number of start cycles on these components. Kia's AGM batteries are more robust than standard lead-acid units, but they still degrade faster under constant micro-start demand. Many Kia owners report needing an ISG battery replacement well before the standard battery lifespan. Turning ISG off reduces that wear significantly.
Common Issues Related to Auto Start/Stop on the Kia
ISG System Not Working or Refusing to Activate
Kia's ISG system has multiple conditions that must be met before it will engage — battery charge level, engine temperature, cabin temperature demand from the HVAC, and steering angle all factor in. If ISG stops engaging entirely, the most common culprit is a weak or failing AGM battery. The system will automatically disable itself if it detects the battery can't reliably handle a restart. Have the battery tested first before assuming an ECU fault. A battery condition warning in the cluster is a clear indicator.
Rough or Delayed Engine Restart After ISG Shutoff
Some Kia Sportage and Sorento owners report a noticeable hesitation or shudder when the ISG system restarts the engine — particularly after a longer stop or in hot weather. This is often tied to starter motor wear, a marginal battery, or software calibration on earlier ISG-equipped models. Kia has issued TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for rough ISG restarts on certain model years; check with your dealer if this is happening consistently. In the interim, disabling ISG eliminates the issue entirely.
ISG Button Light On But System Still Engages
If you press the ISG off button and the indicator confirms it's disabled, but the engine still cuts out at stops, first check whether the vehicle recently had a software update or battery disconnect — both can reset stored preferences. On some early 4th-gen Sportage and 3rd-gen Sorento models, a faulty ISG switch or connector issue can cause inconsistent behavior. Cleaning the connector or replacing the switch resolves this in most cases. If the problem persists after those checks, have the BCM (Body Control Module) scanned for fault codes.
FAQ — Kia Auto Start/Stop
Does the Kia ISG button setting save between drives?
No. The ISG disable button on all current Kia models — including the Sportage, Sorento, Telluride, and Soul — resets to ON every time you start the engine. There is no native way to make the button setting persist across ignition cycles without an aftermarket disable module.
Will disabling ISG on my Kia hurt fuel economy?
The real-world fuel savings from ISG are minimal — typically less than 1–3% in mixed driving, and closer to zero on highway trips. In urban stop-and-go traffic the savings are slightly higher, but most drivers find the trade-off — starter wear, battery stress, and drivability annoyance — isn't worth it. Disabling ISG will not noticeably affect your fuel economy in everyday driving.
Does the Kia Soul have auto start/stop, and how do I turn it off?
Yes. The Kia Soul (2020–present) with the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine includes ISG as standard equipment. The ISG button is located on the center dash panel. Press it once after starting the car to disable the system for that drive. The process is identical to other ISG-equipped Kias — and the same aftermarket disable module approach applies if you want a permanent solution.
Is there a Kia with auto start/stop that can be permanently turned off through software?
As of current model year releases, no Kia model offers a factory software setting that permanently disables ISG across ignition cycles. Some 2023+ models with the ccNC infotainment system have an ISG toggle in Settings → Vehicle, but this still resets on engine restart. For a true permanent disable, an OBD-II stop/start eliminator module is the only reliable method that requires no action on your part each time you drive.