Why Kia Soul Owners Want to Disable Auto Start/Stop
If you're searching for how to disable auto start stop on your Kia Soul, you're not alone. Kia's ISG (Idle Stop and Go) system — also marketed as ISS (Idle Stop and Start) — automatically shuts off the engine at red lights and restarts it when you release the brake. The intention is to save fuel, but in everyday driving the constant stopping and starting gets old fast.
Soul owners report the restart hesitation feels jerky during stop-and-go traffic, the brief electrical dropout when the engine shuts off is annoying, and the system frequently kicks in at inconvenient moments — like when you're barely rolling to a stop or sitting in a drive-through. Most drivers simply want it off permanently, not just for one trip at a time.
How Auto Start/Stop Works on the Kia Soul
Kia's ISG/ISS system is active on Soul models equipped with an automatic transmission, primarily from the second generation (2014–2019) and third generation (2020–present). When the vehicle comes to a complete stop — or near-stop — with the brake held, the system cuts the engine to reduce idle fuel consumption and emissions. The moment you release the brake pedal, the starter motor re-fires the engine within a fraction of a second.
The system relies on a AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery, which is designed to handle the repeated charge/discharge cycles that ISG creates. It also monitors battery charge level, climate control load, and cabin temperature — if any of those conditions fall outside the acceptable range, the system will temporarily disable itself automatically. That's cold comfort when it's working perfectly and still driving you crazy.
How to Disable Auto Start/Stop on the Kia Soul (Step-by-Step)
Method 1: Use the ISG Button (Built-In, Resets Every Ignition Cycle)
This is the quickest option and works on all Soul trims that have ISG equipped. The ISG OFF button is located on the center console or instrument panel cluster area, depending on the model year. Look for a button labeled "ISG OFF" or an icon showing an engine with an arrow loop and a line through it. Pressing it disables the system for the current drive — but it resets to ON every time you start the vehicle.
- Start the Kia Soul and let it complete its startup sequence.
- Locate the ISG OFF button on the center console (third-gen 2020+) or the lower instrument panel area (second-gen 2014–2019).
- Press the button once — an ISG OFF indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster confirming the system is deactivated.
- The system stays off for the remainder of that drive. At the next ignition cycle, you'll need to press the button again.
Note: Not all Soul trims include the ISG button as standard. If your vehicle doesn't have a dedicated button, check your owner's manual — some markets and base trims may not have the physical button even if ISG is active. In that case, skip to Method 3.
Method 2: Kia Connect App / Infotainment Settings (Select 2022+ Models)
On newer third-generation Soul models (2022 and newer) with the 8-inch or 10.25-inch UVO infotainment screen, some markets offer vehicle settings through the touchscreen that can affect driver-assist and convenience features. Here's how to check if your vehicle has an ISG setting accessible through the head unit:
- Press the Home button on your infotainment screen and navigate to Setup or Vehicle Settings.
- Look for a submenu labeled "Driver Assistance" or "Convenience" — scroll through for any option referencing ISG, Idle Stop, or Auto Start/Stop.
- If the option is present, toggle it to OFF and confirm the selection.
Note: This menu-based ISG setting is not universally available across all Soul trims or markets. Kia does not currently offer a persistent ISG-off setting through the Kia Connect app for the Soul. If you don't find the option in your infotainment menu, it simply isn't available on your specific vehicle — proceed to Method 3 for a permanent solution.
Method 3: Aftermarket ISG Disable Module (Permanent Solution)
For drivers who want the Kia Soul idle stop and go disabled permanently — without pressing a button every single time you start the car — an aftermarket Start/Stop eliminator module is the definitive fix. These plug-and-play devices tap into the vehicle's OBD2 port or connect inline with the ISG button circuit. Once installed, they automatically send the "ISG OFF" signal every time the ignition is turned on, so the system is deactivated from the moment you start driving. No button presses, no resets, no drama.
Important: Choose a module that is specifically listed as compatible with Kia Soul model years. Installation is straightforward and typically takes under 10 minutes. These modules do not alter the ECU or flash any software, which means they are reversible — unplug the module and the system goes back to factory behavior. However, always verify warranty implications with your dealer before installing any aftermarket device.
How to Disable Auto Start/Stop on Other Kia Models
Kia Sportage — ISG OFF Button Location
The Kia Sportage (NQ5 generation, 2023+, and previous QL generation 2017–2022) uses the same ISG system as the Soul. The ISG OFF button is located on the center console near the gear selector. The procedure is identical to Method 1 above — one press disables it for the current drive, and it resets at the next start. The same aftermarket eliminator modules designed for the Soul often work on the Sportage as well, but always confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Kia Seltos — ISG Disable Procedure
The Kia Seltos also features ISG on automatic-equipped trims. Look for the ISG OFF button in the lower center stack area. The behavior is the same as the Soul — the system defaults back to active each ignition cycle. Seltos owners frequently look for the same permanent fix, and compatible stop/start eliminator modules are available for this model as well.
Kia Stonic — ISG on Smaller Kia Models
The Kia Stonic subcompact crossover shares Kia's ISG architecture across its automatic-transmission variants. The ISG OFF button is typically located on the center console. The method is the same as the Soul, and Stonic owners in markets where this model is sold report the same annoyances with the system resetting on every startup cycle.
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→ Turn OFF Stop/Start For GoodDoes Disabling Auto Start/Stop Affect Your Kia Soul Warranty or Battery Life?
Using the built-in ISG OFF button carries zero warranty risk — it's a factory-provided feature. Using an aftermarket eliminator module is a gray area. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your entire warranty simply because an aftermarket device is installed. However, if they can demonstrate that the module directly caused a specific failure, that component repair could be denied. In practice, a plug-and-play ISG eliminator is unlikely to cause issues, but it's worth having that conversation with your dealer if you're within the warranty period.
As for battery life — disabling ISG may actually benefit your AGM battery long-term. The ISG system puts more charge/discharge cycles on the battery than a conventional start-only setup. Fewer restart cycles means less stress on the battery and the starter motor. Kia specifies an AGM battery for ISG-equipped Souls precisely because of this added load, so if you're disabling ISG permanently, you can continue using an AGM replacement or switch to a standard battery when the time comes.
Common Issues Related to Auto Start/Stop on the Kia Soul
ISG Activates Too Aggressively in Traffic
Some Soul owners find that the ISG system shuts the engine off before the vehicle has even come to a complete stop — or in slow crawling traffic where the stop-start cycle happens repeatedly within seconds. This is especially noticeable in the third-generation Soul (2020+) with more aggressive fuel economy tuning. The system is working as designed, but the calibration can feel intrusive. Disabling it via the ISG OFF button or an eliminator module resolves this entirely.
Rough or Hesitant Restart After ISG Shutoff
A noticeable shudder or brief hesitation when the engine restarts is a common complaint. This is typically caused by normal starter engagement wear or, in some cases, a weakening AGM battery that can't spin the starter as crisply as it should. If the restart feels rougher than it used to, have the battery load-tested — an underperforming AGM battery will make ISG restarts feel worse over time. Replacing the battery with a fresh OEM-spec AGM unit often improves restart smoothness significantly.
ISG Warning Light or System Disabled Automatically
If the ISG system disables itself without you pressing the button — and an ISG warning light or message appears in the cluster — this is the system detecting an out-of-range condition. Common causes include a battery that isn't holding a proper charge, a failing battery sensor (located on the negative terminal), or extreme ambient temperatures. Don't ignore this warning — have the battery and charging system inspected. Running a failing battery with ISG active can accelerate battery degradation and lead to unexpected no-start conditions.
FAQ — Kia Soul Auto Start/Stop
Does the Kia Soul ISG turn back on every time I start the car?
Yes. The ISG system resets to ON with every ignition cycle by default. Pressing the ISG OFF button disables it for that drive only. For a permanent fix that doesn't require pressing anything each time, an aftermarket stop/start eliminator module is the most practical solution.
Which Kia Soul model years have ISG / auto start-stop?
ISG was introduced on the second-generation Soul starting around 2014 in select markets, and became more widely equipped through the third generation (2020–present). Not all trims in all markets include it — check your instrument cluster for the ISG indicator or consult your owner's manual to confirm whether your specific vehicle has the system.
Can I permanently disable ISG on the Kia Soul without voiding the warranty?
Using the factory ISG OFF button is completely warranty-safe. An aftermarket eliminator module exists in a gray area — under Magnuson-Moss, it can't void your whole warranty unless it's proven to cause a specific failure. For peace of mind during the warranty period, stick with the button method or consult your dealer before installing a module.
Will turning off ISG hurt my Kia Soul's fuel economy?
You may see a small reduction in fuel economy — typically in the range of 1–3 MPG in heavy stop-and-go driving where ISG would have been most active. On highway driving, the difference is essentially zero. Most drivers find the improved driving comfort and reduced drivetrain wear are worth the marginal fuel economy trade-off.