The engine auto start stop feature found on Subaru Forester Wilderness is arguably one of this – otherwise very capable vehicle’s – most annoying features. If you’ve been searching for a way to permanently disable the Subaru Forester’s auto start/stop feature, here’s how to do it.
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What is the Auto Start/Stop Feature on Subaru Forester?
The dashboard icon for Auto Start/Stop is a clockwise rotating arrow surrounding the letter A and is located just above the fuel gauge. You can disable auto start/stop by pressing the corresponding button to the left of the steering column and in doing so you will see a slash through this symbol. However, each time you turn off the ignition this disabling of the feature is reset.
The purpose of having your car’s engine turn itself off after a period of time is to save on fuel. While there are undoubtedly fuel savings associated with leaving it engaged, you may find the second or two it takes the engine to restart just long enough to prove unsafe in certain traffic situations. In addition to the potential safety concerns, there’s also the extra wear and tear on your starter and engine from repeated restarts, not to mention having your AC quit cooling periodically on hot days.
A Quick and Easy Solution For Disabling Subaru Forester’s Auto Start – Stop Feature
The easiest way to get rid of the annoying auto start – stop feature on the Subaru Forester is to install an aftermarket auto start – stop eliminator into the wiring harness for that switch. We found a device labeled as the Auto Start Stop Engine System Eliminator on Amazon for just under $30, and it was well worth the money spent. With it installed in-line between the button and wiring harness, we still see the normal icon on the display, but the feature is disabled from this point on.
How to Install The Subaru Forester Auto Start Stop Eliminator
Locate the fuse panel for your Forester, which is to the left of the steering column and just under the auto start – stop disable button.
(Just a heads up – if you have large hands, this job is best delegated to someone with smaller ones, as the working area is a bit tight.)
- Pull the fuse panel cover off and using a flashlight, look up and find the back of the Auto Start – Stop button.
- Pinch the small plastic clips on the connector at the back of the button and remove it by pulling outward.
- Insert the Subaru Forester Auto Start Stop Eliminator* inline, between the button and cable that you just unplugged.
- Restart the car and verify that it works.
* There are a number of these sold online that basically do the same thing. Check for good reviews and fitment for your vehicle before purchasing though. This is the same one we purchased for our 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness, the Auto Start Stop Eliminator on Amazon.
We’ve had the Auto Start Stop Eliminator quit working once, in six months of use. This was because we inadvertently pressed the button, which you can do if you want to use this feature again at any time.
So far we’re happy with this solution, and we feel safer in traffic knowing that we can quickly move out of the way to avoid an unsafe situation, should one arise.
