Auto Idle Stop feature
 

Can anyone tell me why it is telling me often "not available" ? I know how to turn it off. I read the manual but its not clear. In stop and go traffic just now it kept saying "Auto Idle stop not available"..... I have 475 miles on her.... Is there an issue? Thanks in advance!!!

Restart your system by disconnecting/reconnecting the negative battery cable and run your car for a few miles. If the auto idle alert system comes back call your dealership and speak with a tech to see what the next step is.

It worked on my trip to Southern California. The manual states "when conditions are met".... so it works... but has a mind of its own....

It's not clear which vehicle you are talking about, but ​​​​​​​per page 13 in the 2018 MDX Sport Hybrid owner's manual, here is how the system is designed to work:

Your vehicle’s gas engine will automatically stop & start as needed to meet driving and battery conditions. In the following cases, however, Auto Engine Stop may not activate.
· When the Integrated Dynamics System is in SPORT+ mode.
· Vehicle momentarily needs additional power for aggressive acceleration, driving uphill, or driving at high speeds.
· The climate control system is in heavy use.
· The High Voltage battery temperature is high or low.
· The High Voltage battery state of charge is low.
· When the gear position is in (S or R)

Could you share which vehicle you are discussing and how you turn it off.

^^
He is talking about a 2018 MDX SH-AWD Advanced the regular gas model, not the Sport Hybrid......