Why Kia Telluride Owners Want to Disable Auto Start/Stop
If you're searching for how to disable auto start stop on the Kia Telluride, you're not alone. Kia calls this system ISG (Idle Stop and Go) — and while it's designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions at stoplights, a lot of Telluride owners find it more annoying than helpful. The engine shutter when it cuts off, the brief hesitation when it restarts, and the occasional lurch pulling away from a light are all common complaints.
The bigger frustration? Every time you start the Telluride, ISG reactivates automatically. There's no factory setting to permanently keep it off. This guide covers every method available — from the built-in button to aftermarket disable modules — so you can choose what works best for your situation.
How Auto Start/Stop Works on the Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride's Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system shuts the engine off automatically when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and certain conditions are met — brake pedal held down, engine at operating temperature, battery sufficiently charged, and the HVAC demand is low enough. When you release the brake, the starter motor fires the engine back up. The goal is reduced fuel burn and lower CO₂ output during city driving.
The system is standard across all Telluride trim levels — LX, S, EX, SX, SX Prestige, and X-Pro — on all model years from the first generation (2020–2025). It uses an enhanced AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery specifically rated for the high cycling demands of ISG. Repeated use of a standard battery as a replacement can accelerate wear, which is one reason some owners prefer to disable the system entirely.
How to Disable Auto Start/Stop on the Kia Telluride (Step-by-Step)
Method 1: Use the Built-In ISG Off Button (All Trims, 2020–2025)
Every Kia Telluride has a dedicated ISG OFF button located on the center console, typically grouped with the traction control and drive mode buttons. This is the quickest way to turn off ISG on the Kia Telluride — no tools, no modifications required. The downside is that this setting resets every time you cycle the ignition, so you'll need to press it each time you start the vehicle.
- Start the Telluride and let the engine reach normal operating temperature.
- Locate the ISG OFF button on the center console — it features an engine icon with an "A" and a small arrow loop. On most trims it sits just to the right of the drive mode selector.
- Press the button once. The ISG OFF indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster to confirm the system is deactivated.
- ISG will remain off for the rest of that drive session. Note: the system reactivates automatically the next time you start the engine — you must press the button again every drive.
Important: If the ISG OFF light doesn't stay on, check that the engine is fully warmed up and the battery state of charge is adequate. The system may override your input under certain conditions (e.g., very hot or cold ambient temperatures, low battery charge, A/C running at max).
Method 2: Kia Connect App / Infotainment Settings (2022–2025 with Kia Connect)
The Telluride does not currently offer a native infotainment menu setting to permanently disable ISG. However, 2022–2025 Telluride models equipped with Kia Connect allow you to configure certain vehicle preferences through the Kia Connect app or the 12.3-inch center touchscreen. While a persistent ISG-off toggle is not available as a factory option, you can set your preferred drive mode — which indirectly affects ISG behavior.
- On the touchscreen, tap the Setup icon, then navigate to Vehicle → Drive Mode Settings.
- Select Sport mode as your default startup drive mode. In Sport mode, ISG is more frequently suppressed (though not always fully disabled — you may still need to press the ISG OFF button).
- Save your preference. Some 2024–2025 Telluride owners report that pairing Sport mode with the ISG OFF button press provides the most consistent disable experience until a true persistent setting is available via OTA update.
Note: Kia has not released a software update as of the current model year that allows permanent ISG deactivation through the infotainment system or Kia Connect app. If your dealer tells you otherwise, verify it applies to your specific VIN and software version. This remains a per-ignition-cycle workaround.
Method 3: Aftermarket ISG/Stop-Start Eliminator Module (Permanent Fix)
If pressing the ISG OFF button every single time you start the Telluride is getting old, an aftermarket stop/start eliminator module is the only true permanent solution. These plug-and-play devices tap into your vehicle's OBD-II port or connect inline with the ISG button circuit, and they automatically simulate a button press every time the ignition cycles — so ISG is disabled from the moment you start the engine, every time, without any action on your part.
Installation is typically tool-free and takes under five minutes. Plug the module into the OBD-II port (located under the dashboard, driver's side) or follow the model-specific wiring harness instructions if it's a hardwired version. The Telluride's ISG system will behave as if you pressed the button manually on every startup. These modules do not alter ECU programming, so they are generally reversible — unplug the device and the factory behavior returns immediately. That said, any modification could potentially affect warranty coverage, so check with your dealer if your Telluride is still under the Kia 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.
How to Disable Auto Start/Stop on Other Kia Models
Kia Sorento (2021–2025)
The Kia Sorento uses the same ISG (Idle Stop and Go) system and has an identical ISG OFF button on the center console. The procedure is exactly the same as the Telluride — press once to disable per session, resets every ignition cycle. Aftermarket stop/start eliminator modules compatible with the Telluride will typically cover the Sorento as well; verify compatibility by trim and model year before purchasing.
Kia Sportage (2017–2025)
The Kia Sportage has featured ISG since the fourth generation (2017). Like the Telluride, it has a dedicated ISG OFF button on the center console. The button location varies slightly between the fourth-gen (2017–2021) and fifth-gen (2022–2025) Sportage, but the function is identical. Fifth-gen Sportage models also feature the 12.3-inch infotainment system with Kia Connect, and the same limitations apply — no factory option for a permanent persistent disable through software.
Kia Carnival (2022–2025)
The Kia Carnival minivan also ships with ISG active by default. The ISG OFF button is located on the lower center console cluster. Owners report the same per-cycle reset behavior. If you're towing or using the Carnival for commercial transport, the ISG restart hesitation is particularly noticeable, making a permanent disable module worth considering.
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→ Turn OFF Stop/Start For GoodDoes Disabling Auto Start/Stop Affect Your Kia Warranty or Battery Life?
Using the factory ISG OFF button is 100% within normal operation — Kia designed it to be used, and there is no warranty risk whatsoever. Using an aftermarket stop/start eliminator module is a gray area. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your entire warranty simply because you added an aftermarket device. However, if a warranty claim is directly related to the ISG system or the starter motor and you have a disable module installed, the dealer may dispute coverage. If your Telluride is still under warranty and you're concerned, keep the module removable and unplug it before any dealer visit.
On the battery side, disabling ISG actually reduces wear on your AGM battery in most real-world driving scenarios. The ISG system cycles the battery through partial-charge cycles dozens of times per commute. While the AGM battery is designed for this, reducing unnecessary cycles extends its service life. The starter motor benefits as well — fewer cold-start-style restarts at idle means less wear on the starter ring gear and brushes over time.
Common Issues Related to Auto Start/Stop on the Kia Telluride
ISG Causes Rough or Jerky Restarts
This is the most frequent complaint among Kia Telluride owners. When the ISG system restarts the engine at a stoplight — especially in heavy traffic — some drivers experience a noticeable shudder or lurch as the engine fires back up and the drivetrain re-engages. This is generally more pronounced in stop-and-go conditions when the system is cycling frequently. It's not a defect per se, but it is uncomfortable and can feel like something is wrong. Disabling ISG eliminates this entirely.
ISG Activates When You Don't Want It To
Several Telluride owners report the system shutting the engine off at inconvenient moments — such as while pulling into a parking space slowly, when stopped briefly at a railroad crossing, or during drive-through lanes. The system interprets a held brake pedal as an ISG-eligible stop regardless of context. Pressing the ISG OFF button before these situations, or using a permanent disable module, prevents these unwanted shutoffs.
ISG OFF Button Doesn't Seem to Stay Off
Some owners notice that even after pressing the ISG OFF button, the system re-enables itself mid-drive. This can happen if the vehicle battery charge drops below a threshold, if the A/C is running at maximum demand, or if ambient temperatures are extreme. The ISG system has built-in logic that will override a manual disable under these conditions to protect the battery and maintain cabin comfort. If this happens frequently, it may also indicate your AGM battery is aging and not holding charge as efficiently — worth having it tested if your Telluride is over three years old or has high mileage.
FAQ — Kia Telluride Auto Start/Stop (ISG)
Does the Kia Telluride have an auto start/stop system?
Yes. All Kia Telluride trims — LX, S, EX, SX, SX Prestige, and X-Pro — come standard with Idle Stop and Go (ISG) from the 2020 model year onward. It activates automatically every time you start the vehicle and cannot be permanently disabled from the factory without an aftermarket device.
How do I turn off ISG on the Kia Telluride?
Press the ISG OFF button on the center console after starting the engine. The button shows an engine icon with a circular arrow and the letter "A." Once pressed, the ISG OFF indicator lights up in the gauge cluster confirming it's deactivated for that drive session. The system resets back on at the next ignition cycle.
Is there a way to permanently disable auto start/stop on the Kia Telluride?
Yes — through an aftermarket stop/start eliminator module. These plug-and-play devices automatically press the ISG OFF button signal every time the ignition cycles, so the system is always off without any action from you. There is no factory software setting or dealer-installed option to make the disable permanent on the Telluride as of the 2025 model year.
Will disabling ISG on my Kia Telluride hurt my fuel economy?
Minimally. Kia's ISG system is estimated to improve fuel efficiency by roughly 3–5% in urban stop-and-go driving. On highway routes where the system rarely activates, the impact is negligible. Most owners who disable ISG report the real-world fuel economy difference is imperceptible in their day-to-day driving — and they consider the smoother driving experience well worth it.