The auto start/stop feature in 2018-2026 Lincoln Navigators shuts off your engine at red lights and stop signs to save fuel, but many drivers find it annoying and jerky. If you’re tired of the constant engine stopping and starting, you’re not alone in wanting this feature permanently disabled.
What Auto Start/Stop Does in the Lincoln Navigator
Your Navigator’s auto start/stop system automatically shuts down the 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine when you come to a complete stop with your foot on the brake. The system restarts the engine as soon as you lift your foot off the brake pedal or press the accelerator.
Ford designed this feature to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions during city driving. While it can save a small amount of fuel, many Navigator owners find the constant engine cycling creates an unpleasant driving experience, especially in heavy traffic.
The system can also cause hesitation when you need to accelerate quickly, and the frequent restarts put additional wear on your starter motor and battery over time.
The Temporary Fix: Dashboard Button
Every 2018-2026 Navigator has an auto start/stop disable button located on the center console to the right of the gear selector. The button shows an “A” with a circular arrow around it and the word “OFF” underneath.
Press this button once after starting your Navigator, and you’ll see a yellow light illuminate on the dashboard indicating the system is temporarily disabled. Your engine will stay running normally at stops until you turn off the ignition.
Why the Dashboard Button Isn’t Enough
The major frustration with Lincoln’s built-in disable button is that it only works for your current drive. Every time you turn off your Navigator and restart it, the auto start/stop system automatically reactivates itself.
This means you have to remember to press the disable button every single time you drive your vehicle. After a few weeks of this routine, most owners get tired of the constant button pushing and look for a permanent solution.
The temporary nature of this fix is intentional on Lincoln’s part, as they want to ensure the fuel-saving feature stays active by default to meet EPA requirements.
Permanent Solutions for Lincoln Navigator
Several aftermarket companies make devices specifically designed to permanently disable auto start/stop in Ford and Lincoln vehicles. These solutions work on both the Navigator and the Ford Expedition since they share the same platform and electrical systems.
You have two main types of permanent solutions available:
OBD2 Port Devices
These small modules plug directly into your Navigator’s OBD2 diagnostic port, which is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side near your left knee. OBD2 eliminators are the easiest to install since they simply plug in without any wiring.
The device sends a signal to your vehicle’s computer that mimics pressing the disable button every time you start the engine. Most OBD2 devices also include other features like automatic window rolling and remote start extensions.
Inline Switch Devices
These modules install behind your existing dashboard button by intercepting the wiring harness. Inline devices require removing some dashboard trim pieces to access the switch wiring, but they don’t take up your OBD2 port.
Inline eliminators typically offer more precise control and faster response times since they directly interface with the start/stop system wiring rather than going through the vehicle’s diagnostic network.
Recommended Auto Start/Stop Eliminators
Here are some proven plug-and-play devices that can permanently disable start/stop on your Navigator:
Autostop Eliminator makes both OBD2 and inline versions specifically for 2018+ Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Their devices are plug-and-play with no programming required and include a one-year warranty.
GOFAR offers an OBD2 solution that disables start/stop while adding vehicle diagnostics and performance monitoring through a smartphone app.
Range Technology produces the RA003 module designed for Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost engine found in your Navigator. This device installs behind the dashboard switch and provides permanent disable functionality.
Installation Process
Installing an OBD2 eliminator takes about two minutes and requires no tools. Simply locate your diagnostic port under the dashboard, remove any plastic cover, and plug in the device. The module will automatically start working the next time you start your Navigator.
Inline device installation requires more time and basic mechanical skills. You’ll need to remove the center console trim around the gear selector to access the start/stop button wiring.
Here’s the basic process for inline installation:
- Disconnect your battery’s negative terminal
- Remove the trim panel around the gear selector
- Unplug the connector behind the start/stop button
- Connect the eliminator module between the original connector and switch
- Secure the module and reinstall the trim pieces
- Reconnect the battery and test the system
Most inline installations take 30-45 minutes for someone comfortable working on vehicles. If you’re not confident with automotive electrical work, many car audio shops and independent mechanics can install these devices.
Software Programming Options
Advanced users can disable auto start/stop through software programming using tools like FORScan. This method requires a Windows laptop, an OBD2 interface cable, and knowledge of Ford’s vehicle programming procedures.
FORScan allows you to modify your Navigator’s body control module settings to permanently disable the start/stop system. However, this approach requires technical knowledge and carries a small risk of affecting other vehicle systems if done incorrectly.
Software programming also creates a permanent record in your vehicle’s computer that dealerships can detect during warranty work.
Important Considerations Before Disabling
Warranty Impact
Disabling your auto start/stop system could potentially affect warranty coverage for related components like your starter motor or battery. However, plug-in OBD2 devices are easily removable before service appointments.
Inline devices and software programming create more permanent modifications that may be harder to hide from dealership technicians during warranty work.
Fuel Economy
Your Navigator’s EPA fuel economy ratings include the benefits of auto start/stop. Disabling the system will reduce your real-world fuel economy by approximately 0.5-1.0 MPG in city driving conditions.
Most owners find the improved driving experience worth the small decrease in fuel efficiency, especially given the Navigator’s focus on comfort and performance over maximum economy.
Resale Value
Future buyers may expect the auto start/stop system to work properly. If you use a removable OBD2 device, you can easily restore factory operation before selling your vehicle.
Inline devices can be removed and the original wiring restored, though this requires more time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling auto start/stop damage my engine?
No, disabling the system simply prevents your engine from shutting off at stops. Your Navigator’s engine is designed to run continuously like any traditional vehicle, so keeping it running won’t cause any mechanical problems.
Can I still use the dashboard button with an eliminator installed?
With most eliminator devices, the dashboard button becomes non-functional since the system is permanently disabled. Some advanced modules include the ability to temporarily re-enable start/stop if desired.
Do these devices work on the Ford Expedition too?
Yes, since the Navigator and Expedition share the same platform and electrical systems, all start/stop eliminators designed for the Navigator also work on 2018+ Expeditions.
Will my mechanic know I’ve disabled the system?
OBD2 devices are easily removable and typically don’t leave any traces in your vehicle’s computer. Inline devices require more involved installation but don’t usually create diagnostic codes that would alert a mechanic unless they specifically test the start/stop system.
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