2021 Forrester Touring

[Jkb242]

Just purchased this certified pre-owned. Have discovered the super annoying Auto stop/Auto start nag that according to the Subaru dealer cannot be disabled or switched off as default. Instead the dealer says it’s a Federal requirement it remain active upon each restart. Anyone know if this is true or is there a work-around to disable it without it re-enabling itself on restart?
Thanks

 

[Chip13]

I too bought a certified pre-owned 2021 Forester. Today. Dealer said the annoying Auto stop etc feature could be disabled. When I drove home tonight I didn't notice that issue.

How does it manifest?

 

[Jkb242]

It will return to that mode on every restart, did the dealer tell you that? By now you have discovered that and there is no way to permanently defeat it unless the dealer modifies the ECM controlling module to turn it off which is doubtful or even possible. It will save the tiniest bit of gasoline BUT at the cost to the battery and starter! Makes no sense!

 

[Chip13]

It is winter here in Minnesota. Apparently, running the heater and maybe the radio at the same time seems to disable Auto Stop/Start. It only happened a couple of times before the weather turned very cold.

I have seen devices on Amazon that can be installed (somehow) to disable Auto Stop/Start. Search for "auto stop start eliminator" on Amazon.

 

[Gordon Cash]

Just purchased this certified pre-owned. Have discovered the super annoying Auto stop/Auto start nag that according to the Subaru dealer cannot be disabled or switched off as default. Instead the dealer says it’s a Federal requirement it remain active upon each restart. Anyone know if this is true or is there a work-around to disable it without it re-enabling itself on restart?
Thanks

I think the Federal requirement part is true. EPA issued regulations to that effect under the Clean Air Act. You can do it yourself by buying a device from autostopeliminator.com. Someone on another Subaru forum suggested disconnecting the hood-open sensor behind the radiator.

 

[Dick Foster]

Autostop Eliminator - Disable The Auto Start Stop Feature

The Autostop Eliminator is an intelligent tech device for your car, truck or SUV that will safely disable auto start-stop feature and remember your preference

www.autostopeliminator.com

Easy to install, performs as advertised and works a treat on my 2021 forester touring. Same car as yours BTW. Plugs into the CAN buss under your driver's seat. As I recall about $100. Minutes to install and no need to hack into your wiring. Turn autostop off and it stays off through subsequent restarts. Turn it on and it's back to stock behavior. If you sell or trade the car, unplug it and take it with you and the car is back to factory stock just as it to you.

 

[Dick Foster]

BTW the EPA doesn't know diddly about cars nor do they care.