How-to · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Chrysler Pacifica Stop/Start System Guide
On a Pacifica equipped with Stop/Start, the engine can shut off when you come to a full stop with your foot on the brake, then restart when you lift off. The system is designed to reduce fuel consumption. Here is when it works, why it sometimes does not, how to switch it off and what its messages mean, from the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual.
Every startStop/Start turns back on with each key start
5 mphneeded before the next Autostop
1 buttonStop/Start OFF switch on the switch bank
Yellowtelltale with Service STOP/START System
The short answer
Stop/Start (if equipped) shuts the engine off when the van is completely stopped, in a forward gear, with the brake pedal pressed, and all of its safety and comfort conditions are met. Release the brake or press the accelerator and the engine restarts. To turn it off for a drive, push the Stop/Start OFF switch on the switch bank; it comes back on the next time the ignition is turned off and on.
How the Pacifica Stop/Start system works
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every driver key start. The system goes into STOP/START READY and, if all other conditions are met, can go into STOP/START AUTOSTOP ACTIVE. A STOP/START READY message appears in the Stop/Start section of the instrument cluster.
For the engine to Autostop, the van must be completely stopped, and the gear selector must be in a forward gear with the brake pedal pressed. The engine shuts down, the tachometer moves to zero and the Stop/Start telltale lights to show you are in Autostop. Your settings are kept throughout the Auto Stop/Start process.
While in a forward gear, the engine starts again when you release the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal, and the transmission re-engages automatically.
From the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (Stop/Start System: Autostop Mode; To Start The Engine While In Autostop), read October 28, 2026.
Why the Pacifica engine does not shut off at a stop
Before shutting the engine down, the system checks many safety and comfort conditions. Detailed information is on the Stop/Start screen in the instrument cluster display. Situations when the engine will not stop include, but are not limited to:
- Stop/Start was turned off with the Stop/Start OFF button.
- The driver's seat belt is not buckled, or the driver's door is not closed.
- The battery temperature is too warm or cold, or the battery charge is low (the cluster shows "Stop/Start Not Ready Battery Charging").
- The van is on a steep grade.
- Cabin heating or cooling is still working toward an acceptable temperature, HVAC is in full defrost at a high blower speed, or HVAC is set to MAX A/C.
- The engine has not reached normal operating temperature, or engine temperature is too high.
- The transmission is not in a forward gear, or the hood is open.
- The brake pedal is not pressed with sufficient pressure, or there is accelerator pedal input.
- The van has not reached 5 mph (8 km/h) since the previous Autostop.
- The steering angle is beyond the threshold.
- The van is at too high an altitude, or the outside temperature is beyond the operating range.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is on with a speed set.
- There is a Stop/Start related system malfunction.
The manual adds that under more extreme conditions of these items, the van may be driven several times without the system going into STOP/START READY.
From the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not Autostop), read October 28, 2026.
Why the engine restarts on its own during Autostop
The engine starts automatically while in Autostop when:
- The transmission selector is moved out of DRIVE.
- The system needs to maintain cabin temperature comfort.
- HVAC is set to full defrost, or the HVAC temperature or fan speed is adjusted manually.
- Battery voltage drops too low; the cluster shows "Stop/Start Not Ready Battery Charging".
- The Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed.
- The steering wheel is turned beyond the threshold.
- There is a Stop/Start related system malfunction.
From the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start Automatically While In Autostop), read October 28, 2026.
How to turn off Stop/Start on a Chrysler Pacifica
Push the Stop/Start OFF switch, located on the switch bank. The light on the switch comes on, a "STOP/START OFF" message appears in the instrument cluster display and Autostop is disabled.
To turn it back on, push the Stop/Start OFF switch again; the light on the switch goes out. The system also resets itself to ON every time the ignition is turned OFF and back ON, so the switch only turns it off for the current drive.
From the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (To Manually Turn Off The Stop/Start System; To Manually Turn On The Stop/Start System; Stop/Start OFF Button), read October 28, 2026.
Pacifica Stop/Start lights and messages
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Stop/Start Active Indicator Light | The Stop/Start function is in Autostop mode. | Nothing; release the brake or press the accelerator to restart. |
| STOP/START READY | The system is ready and can Autostop when the conditions are met. | Nothing. |
| STOP/START OFF, light on the switch | You turned the system off with the Stop/Start OFF switch. | Push the switch again, or turn the ignition off and on, to turn it back on. |
| Stop/Start Not Ready Battery Charging | The battery charge is low, so the engine will not Autostop, or it restarts. | The manual lists low battery charge among the reasons the engine will not Autostop, and low battery voltage among the reasons it restarts. |
| Service STOP/START System, yellow Stop/Start telltale | A malfunction in the Stop/Start system; the system will not shut the engine down. | Have the system checked by an authorized dealer. If a malfunction occurs during an Autostop, the van may not auto start and will need a key start. |
From the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (Stop/Start Active Indicator Light; Service Stop/Start System Warning Light; Stop/Start System; System Malfunction), read October 28, 2026. The "What to do" column is our plain-language reading of the manual.
Stop/Start service at Elgin CDJR
Our Mopar service department services every Chrysler, wherever it was bought. If your Pacifica shows Service STOP/START System, or the engine never Autostops even in mild weather with a warm engine, schedule a visit and tell your service advisor what you see in the instrument cluster. Low battery charge is one of the conditions that keeps Stop/Start from working, so ask us to test the battery.
Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; holiday hours can differ. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. (U.S. 20) in Streamwood. Get directions.
Schedule service online, or see our Chrysler service center page.
Chrysler Pacifica Stop/Start FAQ
How do I turn off Stop/Start on my Chrysler Pacifica?
Push the Stop/Start OFF switch on the switch bank. The switch light comes on and STOP/START OFF appears in the instrument cluster. It turns back on the next time the ignition is turned off and on.
Can I turn off Pacifica Stop/Start permanently?
The manual describes only the Stop/Start OFF switch, and says the system resets itself to ON every time the ignition is turned OFF and back ON.
Why does my Pacifica not shut off at red lights?
The system checks many conditions first. Some of them: the engine is not warm yet, the battery is cold, hot or low on charge, the cabin has not reached temperature, MAX A/C or full defrost at a high blower speed is on, the brake is not pressed firmly, or you have not reached 5 mph since the last Autostop.
Why does the engine restart while I am still stopped?
It restarts automatically to keep the cabin comfortable, when you adjust the temperature or fan, select full defrost, move the selector out of DRIVE, turn the steering wheel beyond the threshold, or when battery voltage drops too low.
What does Service STOP/START System mean on a Pacifica?
The system has a malfunction and will not shut the engine down. Have it checked by an authorized dealer.
How do I restart the engine during Autostop?
While in a forward gear, release the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal. The engine starts and the transmission re-engages automatically.
Stop/Start not working?
Schedule a visit at Elgin CDJR in Streamwood and tell your service advisor which message you see.
Sources
Stop/Start details are from the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual, read on October 28, 2026; the system is listed as if equipped, and other model years can differ, so check your own manual. Our services, address and hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.