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I'm curious whether anyone has tried to permanently defeat (disable) the auto idle stop on the 2019 RDX by simply jamming something next to the disable button to keep it permanently pressed. This approach apparently works with some other cars with this horrible "feature". For example, see https://www.kiastinger.org/forum/thr...uto-Start-Stop
I've seen this video on the Ford forums about putting a jumper wire across the disable button wires. I guess it must work but it's hard for me to believe that the engine computer doesn't recognize it as a switch failure and set some sort of trouble code.
My lo tech way of shutting it off is turn the a/c on coldest setting.
Ill wait to see of if turning the seats to “bake 450” works in the winter.
if not there’s always the option of reaching and pressing a button, but I have to be careful not to pull any muscles.
So helpful and clever! Amazing!
It's still the case that MANY people want a simple way to permanently disable this "feature". This is why I am asking whether the really simple solution that works for some cars also work for the 2019 RDX.
Can't say that I'm as bothered by auto idle stop as some people, but I understand. I have seen a few circumstances already where it annoyed me to the point of turning it off. There is one aspect of it that does irritate me without exception, and that's the pointless restart after switching the transmission to park. That needs to go away ASAP.
...the pointless restart after switching the transmission to park. That needs to go away ASAP.
Don't shift to park, just turn the engine off and it will shift to park on its own.
Page 421 of the owner's manual:
■ When turning off the power mode
If you turn the engine off while the vehicle is stationary, and the transmission is in
other than (P), the gear position automatically changes to (P).
Don't shift to park, just turn the engine off and it will shift to park on its own.
I'm trying not to pick up bad habits that might haunt me when I'm traveling and driving rental cars. Toward that end, I always make a point to switch to park and set the parking brake explicitly, and to press the lock button on the door handle before walking away.
I'm trying not to pick up bad habits that might haunt me when I'm traveling and driving rental cars. Toward that end, I always make a point to switch to park and set the parking brake explicitly, and to press the lock button on the door handle before walking away.
Well then the engine restarting is a good thing since it will serve to remind you to turn the ignition off. Like you I will not use the 'walk away lock' feature because it will make it too easy to do the same with other vehicles.
On my 2017 Jeep, there's a small green wire that attached to the top of the auxiliary battery (which is only there for the start/stop system) and if you disconnect it, the start/stop system is permanently disabled. It's basically a voltage sensing wire. When the aux battery is in a low state of charge, the start/stop system shuts down until the battery is at a normal state of charge. By disconnecting the voltage sensing wire entirely, the vehicle thinks the aux battery is dead and will disable the system. I've heard that most start/stop systems have a similar voltage sensing wire, so it might be worth looking into this method.
Other people have removed the start/stop "off" button and put a jumper wire into the terminals in back to permanently disable start/stop, but that requires a bit of dash disassembly.
Maybe I just have a light foot, but I find that I can stop my RDX just fine without pushing the brake pedal all the way down, and the auto stop does not engage. I get a message in the dash to push the brake pedal harder to stop the vehicle.
On my 2017 Jeep, there's a small green wire that attached to the top of the auxiliary battery (which is only there for the start/stop system) and if you disconnect it, the start/stop system is permanently disabled. It's basically a voltage sensing wire. When the aux battery is in a low state of charge, the start/stop system shuts down until the battery is at a normal state of charge. By disconnecting the voltage sensing wire entirely, the vehicle thinks the aux battery is dead and will disable the system. I've heard that most start/stop systems have a similar voltage sensing wire, so it might be worth looking into this method.
Other people have removed the start/stop "off" button and put a jumper wire into the terminals in back to permanently disable start/stop, but that requires a bit of dash disassembly.
My understanding is that disconnecting the auxiliary battery sensor is likely to be a bad idea in many cars. It can potentially interfere with other functions of the auxiliary battery, such as keeping the electronics isolated from the main battery during startup. Somehow "automating" the disable button is likely to be the safest solution. In some cars, jamming the button in the pushed position does the job. In other cars, this does not work since they require push and release. Obviously, the former case is much simpler to handle. I was/am trying to find out whether the RDX is in the former or latter group.
I'm curious whether anyone has tried to permanently defeat (disable) the auto idle stop on the 2019 RDX by simply jamming something next to the disable button to keep it permanently pressed. This approach apparently works with some other cars with this horrible "feature". For example, see https://www.kiastinger.org/forum/thr...uto-Start-Stop
I am just trying to teach myself to 1) start car 2) press button 3) put car in gear ( every time) Our BMW will stay disabled, but unfortunately not this thing :-( Too bad Acura cannot program this to be disabled by default. One dealer claimed it's a legal thing, but I don't really know?
...Too bad Acura cannot program this to be disabled by default. One dealer claimed it's a legal thing, but I don't really know?
There very well may be some legal ramifications. The governmental powers-that-be have decided that this feature is worth implementing (whether that's true or not is a different issue) and has provided CAFE credits to the manufacturers based on the type of S/S system they implement.
No S/S = no CAFE credit
S/S that remembers the last setting = a little CAFE credit
S/S that defaults to 'ON' and does not remember the last setting = a little bit more credit
Finally S/S that cannot be turned off = maximum credit.
Just be happy that Acura has at least implemented it so it can be turned off if you don't want it (and put the button in a very convenient location), you could own a GM product where it's active all the time and there's nothing you can do about it.
Maybe I just have a light foot, but I find that I can stop my RDX just fine without pushing the brake pedal all the way down, and the auto stop does not engage. I get a message in the dash to push the brake pedal harder to stop the vehicle.
That's what I do when I don't want it to shut off.
For anyone who wants to permanently disable auto idle stop, take a look at the postings by UKBob at https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-ds980464
He describes the idea of disconnecting the battery state of charge (SOC) sensor from the negative end of the battery. Apparently this disables auto idle stop in many cars. I have not seen a report indicating that this works on Acuras. However, it seems very likely to work.
I just got a 2016 TLX and found this very annoying. So I got a delay on and off timer from Deselectra.com for $12.00. I got some black project boxes from Amazon to house it. For the power I tapped into the auxiliary power in the console. Then I just tapped into the wires from the Auto Idle Stop switch, the first two, see pictures. I just used 3M double stick tape to hold the project box inside the console.
So a second after I start the car, the Auto Idle Stop is turned off, a half a second more I can use the switch again to toggle it on and off if I want. So essentially I reversed the way that it works, default being disabled.
I originally used just a delay on relay to short the switch connection, but then it would be off all the time, with no way to activate it. Being anal I wanted it to function, just opposite of the way it came from the factory.
Impressive! So maybe there is hope for the RDX(?) I saw somewhere a claim that on the RDX the switch is connected via a CAN bus and that may complicate the required circuit compared to what is needed for a simple switch (I have no idea whether this claim is correct).
Perhaps some Honda/Acura tech can comment about this.
With the solution described by lieutenantcolumbo, it looks like you end up with a black box sitting somewhere in the console storage (the box looks too large to hide inside the "sealed" part of the console). Now we need someone to miniaturize and commercialize this (like autostopeliminator.com) so more people can benefit from this.
Originally Posted by lieutenantcolumbo
I just got a 2016 TLX and found this very annoying. So I got a delay on and off timer from Deselectra.com for $12.00. I got some black project boxes from Amazon to house it. For the power I tapped into the auxiliary power in the console. Then I just tapped into the wires from the Auto Idle Stop switch, the first two, see pictures. I just used 3M double stick tape to hold the project box inside the console.
So a second after I start the car, the Auto Idle Stop is turned off, a half a second more I can use the switch again to toggle it on and off if I want. So essentially I reversed the way that it works, default being disabled.
I originally used just a delay on relay to short the switch connection, but then it would be off all the time, with no way to activate it. Being anal I wanted it to function, just opposite of the way it came from the factory.
A simple continuity check of the switch should confirm if this method would work for you. Mine was just a momentary contact switch, contacts close when you press the switch and release when you let go. I also used a small wire and to make the connection directly on the connector after I checked what the switch was doing. Short the first two wires and the Auto Idle Stop is disabled. Short it again and it is enabled. All this relay does is mimic the act of pressing the switch. The box measures 3.8 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches(96 x 56 x 21mm), which was bigger than I needed, but I got a five pack for other projects, not just this one. There's probably room for a dozen or two of the boxes in my console, but ymmv.
Two questions:
1) From your description below, it sounds like you could disable auto stop-start by simply jamming the button in the pushed position. Is that right? I have seen reports of that working in some (but not all) other cars.
2) Are you saying that you were able to fit the box and wires inside the part of the center console that is not normally accessible? From the picture I thought you would have to place it in one of the storage compartments and may even have wires visible between the compartment and the inner part of the console.
Originally Posted by lieutenantcolumbo
A simple continuity check of the switch should confirm if this method would work for you. Mine was just a momentary contact switch, contacts close when you press the switch and release when you let go. I also used a small wire and to make the connection directly on the connector after I checked what the switch was doing. Short the first two wires and the Auto Idle Stop is disabled. Short it again and it is enabled. All this relay does is mimic the act of pressing the switch. The box measures 3.8 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches(96 x 56 x 21mm), which was bigger than I needed, but I got a five pack for other projects, not just this one. There's probably room for a dozen or two of the boxes in my console, but ymmv.
Two questions:
1) From your description below, it sounds like you could disable auto stop-start by simply jamming the button in the pushed position. Is that right? I have seen reports of that working in some (but not all) other cars.
2) Are you saying that you were able to fit the box and wires inside the part of the center console that is not normally accessible? From the picture I thought you would have to place it in one of the storage compartments and may even have wires visible between the compartment and the inner part of the console.
1) No, simply jamming/shorting the switch will absolutely not work, you need to send a pulse of power after the start up. A pulse of power toggles the Auto Idle Stop off, a second pulse would toggle it on, etc. If there is steady power at start up a the Auto Idle Stop remains on.
2) Yes, the box is placed underneath the gear selection panel, it is hidden away never to be seen again.
I bought the S-VCM Muzzler and that alone killed the IAS So I am super happy.
I also have the S-VCM Muzzler. Mine DOES NOT disable IAS (confirmed again this morning) nor does the seller of that device make claims that it does.
Perhaps yours reports the temperature enough out of range that the IAS is disabled.
Well, I did install the sprint booster v3 at the same time and I was told to install the SVCM when the motor is cold overnight and I did and I got a mega amount of faults from it even though the car was asleep when I installed it.
Cleared the faults and never seen IAS come in back again and I even turned off all the accessories possible including the radio and made sure when I came to a stop my steering wheel was straight with no tension on it and still no IAS so I’m happy.
Fall is coming so these hot temps will drop soon so I will see if IAS comes back and my car is going for service this week so we’ll see if it starts working again when they give it back.
My guess is the same, my SVCM keeps the temps out of range for IAS to engage but more time will tell for sure.
I also have the S-VCM Muzzler. Mine DOES NOT disable IAS (confirmed again this morning) nor does the seller of that device make claims that it does.
Perhaps yours reports the temperature enough out of range that the IAS is disabled.
I had a post last year where I was asking if one of those programmable relays used for video in motion bypass for car radio screens to watch dvd while driving would work for this and now it seems like it will work.
you confirmed this is working long term with no side effects?
While I applaud the ingenuity and creativity of those who try to "fix" something they believe should work in a different fashion (I have also spent hours and many dollars on such projects in the past, some successful, and others, not so much) I now truly wonder how hard it is to just push the Auto Idle Stop button upon start up if you REALLY hate this feature. You already push the start button, and fasten the seat belts, put the car in gear, and likely adjust the volume of the radio, or change the station/source etc. If you forget (heaven forbid!) just push it the first time the engine auto stops.
I get it, it is the challenge.
End rant.
Last edited by JB in AZ; Aug 12, 2019 at 09:57 AM.
While I applaud the ingenuity and creativity of those who try to "fix" something they believe should work in a different fashion (I have also spent hours and many dollars on such projects in the past, some successful, and others, not so much) I now truly wonder how hard it is to just push the Auto Idle Stop button upon start up if you REALLY hate this feature. You already push the start button, and fasten the seat belts, put the car in gear, and likely adjust the volume of the radio, or change the station/source etc. If you forget (heaven forbid!) just push it the first time the engine auto stops.
I get it, it is the challenge.
End rant.
For me it’s like firing up a fighter jet as I have to not only push the IAS but push the LKA, Brake Hold, parking brake off and finally traction control off before I put the car in gear or adjust my radio etc.
i know, I know, I bought the wrong car for me but the price was great and it is a very reliable car. Next car I will test drive more thoroughly to avoid my rants like this.
I have to admit the sprint boost and S-VCM really woke the car up and it drives great now and it’s making me not trade it in yet as it’s more fun to drive again.
[QUOTE=lieutenantcolumbo;16464837]I just got a 2016 TLX and found this very annoying. So I got a delay on and off timer from Deselectra.com for $12.00. I got some black project boxes from Amazon to house it. For the power I tapped into the auxiliary power in the console. Then I just tapped into the wires from the Auto Idle Stop switch, the first two, see pictures. I just used 3M double stick tape to hold the project box inside the console.
So a second after I start the car, the Auto Idle Stop is turned off, a half a second more I can use the switch again to toggle it on and off if I want. So essentially I reversed the way that it works, default being disabled.
I originally used just a delay on relay to short the switch connection, but then it would be off all the time, with no way to activate it. Being anal I wanted it to function, just opposite of the way it came from the factory.]
Here is my question, after you re-enable it and you have a "idle stop" does the accessory power momentarily blip if you have an idle stop and then restart your relay timer? please let me know. Thank you for posting this - I am going to do this this weekend. The idle stop sucks and is dangerous. If you do not realize it is off and try to make a quick left at a stop sign onto a busy rod the start up delay can cause an accident.
I just got a 2016 TLX and found this very annoying. So I got a delay on and off timer from Deselectra.com for $12.00. I got some black project boxes from Amazon to house it. For the power I tapped into the auxiliary power in the console. Then I just tapped into the wires from the Auto Idle Stop switch, the first two, see pictures. I just used 3M double stick tape to hold the project box inside the console.
So a second after I start the car, the Auto Idle Stop is turned off, a half a second more I can use the switch again to toggle it on and off if I want. So essentially I reversed the way that it works, default being disabled.
I originally used just a delay on relay to short the switch connection, but then it would be off all the time, with no way to activate it. Being anal I wanted it to function, just opposite of the way it came from the factory.]
Here is my question, after you re-enable it and you have a "idle stop" does the accessory power momentarily blip if you have an idle stop and then restart your relay timer? please let me know. Thank you for posting this - I am going to do this this weekend. The idle stop sucks and is dangerous. If you do not realize it is off and try to make a quick left at a stop sign onto a busy rod the start up delay can cause an accident.
Dennis
Short answer is No.
The auto idle stop turns off the motor, not the accessory power. That wouldn't be good if your kids DVD player, your radar detector, or your mother's oxygen machine shut down at every red light.
On mine I am also going to insert a switch into the auxiliary power power feed since I already have solderless quick connect terminals there. That way I can turn it off when I take it into the dealer, not that it violates the warranty, just not worth the questions. You can access the switch just by reaching your finger between carpet where the bottom of the console meets the transmission hump. I'll post a picture when I get around to it this weekend.
Since I already had quick disconnects I inserted a switch. Now if I want I can disable the relay (when I take it to the dealer) and keep the switch tucked into the console cover.
For me it’s like firing up a fighter jet as I have to not only push the IAS but push the LKA, Brake Hold, parking brake off and finally traction control off before I put the car in gear or adjust my radio etc.
i know, I know, I bought the wrong car for me but the price was great and it is a very reliable car. Next car I will test drive more thoroughly to avoid my rants like this.
I have to admit the sprint boost and S-VCM really woke the car up and it drives great now and it’s making me not trade it in yet as it’s more fun to drive again.
I have the sprint booster and the super VCM Muzzler installed and it really helps a lot and the IAS doesn’t even kick in anymore which is an added bonus
So has anyone actually done this on a new RDX yet?
If so, how did you go about getting to the switch wiring? I wouldn't mind adding a relay if you don't have to tear the interior apart just to get to the wires.
