The Chevy Equinox has an Auto Stop/Start feature that shuts off the engine when the brakes are fully applied and the vehicle is stopped. Despite the fact that this feature saves fuel consumption, there are many drivers who find it annoying and don’t like it.
Chevrolet decided not to make a switch or button for those who want to disable the Auto Stop/Start feature. However, there is a workaround that will work to shut it off. Follow these steps:
- Start the Equinox and shift the gear to “L“. This puts the transmission into “Manual Mode“.
- Use the + and – buttons on the top of the gear shift to change the range of gears up to “9” as you drive. This number should show on the display located on the instrument panel.
That’s it! With the Chevy Equinox gear set up in this manner, the Automatic Stop/Start feature is turned off and won’t bother you again.
Betty Foglesong says
Mine only goes to 6. Is it supposed to go to 9?
Austin says
It depends which motor you have. The 1.5 l has a 6 speed trans and the 2.0 l has a 9 speed.
Geoffrey Walker says
So I have to manually shift my equinox all the time
Jim says
Do you have to do that with the gear shift even time you get in the car?
Mitch says
Do I keep the car in the “L” whenever I drive then, or can I go back to “D”?
Arvie L Oswalt says
Too complicated.. Just slip it in neutral when you pull to a stop. Them drop back in drive. I never have a problem with it.
Steve Zinn says
I have the 1,5 engine and it will not go to 9. hence this workaround does not work.
Rick says
Everyone forgets to tell you that this fix only works until you cut the engine off. Then, you must repeat the steps with each start of the engine.
LOOKING FOR A PERMANENT FIX!!!!!!!!
Ric says
I have a 2020 equinox and I found that as the auto stop system works with the clutch you just need to play with the force you push the brake. If you push it to the bottom auto stop activates otherwise it keeps off.
Jerome A. Okon says
Once chevy equinox start , stop engine feature is turned off can it be turned back on? 2020
Jerome A. Okon says
Also will equinox still operate as an automatic ?
elderberry says
Yes it will!
Mart says
Had a malibu with automatic temp. Control a/c. And start stop. HATED THE START STOP. Discovered if temp. Dial was set to LOW it overode the start stop. Which, in Texas,in summer, is where everyone keeps the temperature dial.
Colin says
Sounds like whet just experienced in our new (used) 2018 equinox.
Three days after purchase the stop/start just stated activating all the time. The first two days were super hot today cold and rainy.
I’ll try keeping the temp on Lo.
Lynette Ramsey says
so when you put the shifter in L and go up to 6, do you then put it in Drive, or keep it in L?
Leanne says
I would really like to know this answer to, especially driving on the highways and freeways.
Barb says
Can I leave it in L6 while on the highway too
Jon D. says
If you move the gear selector (shift handle) back into “D”, the transmission will revert back to a full automatic, selecting what gear is appropriate for speed and load.
Jon D. says
If you keep it in L6 and slow down or even stop, the transmission’s going to want to stay in L6 (or whatever gear you selected). The engine will bog down. It’s like if you had a old-fashioned manual transmission and forgot to downshift.
Matt says
You have to shift it back in drive.
Jim says
You have to repeat this each time you use the car…this is not a fix, it’s temporary workaround.
I try to just let the car creep a tiny bit each time I stop and that works.
There are times when I forget and only stop for a second or so…and it shuts off then restarts, total nonsense!
Janice Tirner says
This is a absolute annoyance. I really doubt it saves that much gas. Not the best thought out idea.I sure don’t care for it.
Jared says
It actually saves close to 18%. Anytime you are stopped for more then ~7 seconds you save more gas by shutting the car off. There has been plenty of tests done, and results can be found all over the internet.
18% in my book adds up very very quickly.
Andy says
I agree but if you do save some some money you can put it toward a new starter.
Tito says
If I have known this issue, I will have never bought this car.
mike says
I believe its something all manufacturers are doing now. My son just bought a 2021 Ford Ranger pickup truck and it does it as well. I’ve rented Jeeps in the past 2 years and they did it as well. This has government mandates written all over it. I agree it’s a pain.
T says
Correct. EPA let’s the auto manufacturers go with the lower MPG fleet wide with auto stop always turning back on when you stop/start the engine next time you drive.
Don’t like many state? Be a little more careful when you vote.
Jim says
What is a permanent fix?
Felix says
I have been shifting to neutral when coming to a stop an then back to drive it works for each stop I love the car hate this feature
Rita buchanan says
Good idea ! I hate this feature as well !
Deborah Pompura says
Absolutely the worse thing they ever put on this car. Bought a new 2020 and can’t wait to get rid of it. Thanks for all the lies Dan Cummins Chevrolet. You told me I could auto start my car through the app. too. Another lie.
Cade says
There is a fix to this, it’s a product you plug into the obd 2 port. It’s called a range start/stop disabler they don’t void warranty’s and you just unplug it to return back to factory settings of the auto start/stop.
William Stoll says
Where can this plug in be purchased, and is there an actual name for it?
Thanks. Bill
Dezirai jones says
My auto stop isnt working anymore. Why ? and how do i turn it back on ? its only been 2 days..
Terry Berberich says
I want to permanently disable start stop feature in 2019 Equinox, is it possible?
Nancy Busto says
I just bought a 2021 Equinox LS which is a base model…there’s no disable stop/start button next to the hazards button. Isn’t this feature going to be hard on the starter and have to keep replacing it?
Jared says
The manufacturers use different starters then a typical vehicle. They are built to last. They are not the same starters you would find in a Normal Honda
Lola says
I want to stop this permanently, I hate this feature