How-to · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Jeep Grand Cherokee Auto Stop/Start: How It Works and How to Turn It Off
If your Grand Cherokee has the Stop/Start system, the engine can shut off by itself during a stop and restart when you release the brake pedal or press the accelerator. Here is how the system decides when to stop the engine, how to switch it off for a drive, why it sometimes will not autostop, and what its messages mean, from the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual.
Every startStop/Start turns itself back on each ignition cycle
5 mphspeed needed after one Autostop before the next
2batteries on vehicles with Stop/Start
1 switchStop/Start OFF, on the switch bank
The short answer
To turn off Auto Stop/Start on a Grand Cherokee, push the Stop/Start OFF switch on the switch bank; the light on the switch comes on and a "Stop/Start OFF" message appears in the cluster display. The system resets itself to ON every time the ignition is turned off and back on, so you push the switch again on each drive if you want it off. If the engine does not stop at a light, the system is usually waiting on a condition, such as engine temperature, battery charge or temperature, cabin heating or cooling, or the driver's seat belt.
How Grand Cherokee Stop/Start works
The Stop/Start function is designed to reduce fuel consumption. It stops the engine automatically during a vehicle stop if the required conditions are met. Releasing the brake pedal or pressing the accelerator pedal restarts the engine automatically.
The feature is enabled after every ignition start. The system goes into STOP/START READY, shown as a "Stop/Start Ready" message in the Stop/Start section of the instrument cluster display, and, if all other conditions are met, it can go into STOP/START AUTOSTOP ACTIVE mode. For Autostop, the vehicle must be completely stopped, with the gear selector in a forward gear and the brake pedal pressed. The engine shuts down, the tachometer moves to zero and the Stop/Start telltale lights. Your settings are kept when the engine restarts.
Grand Cherokees with Stop/Start have a heavy-duty starter, an enhanced battery and other upgraded engine parts to handle the extra engine starts.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Starting And Operating: Stop/Start System, If Equipped; Autostop Mode), read October 27, 2026. The Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid has its own starting procedure in the manual.
How to turn off Auto Stop/Start on a Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Stop/Start OFF switch is on the switch bank.
- Start the vehicle. Stop/Start is on by default after every ignition start.
- Push the Stop/Start OFF switch. The light on the switch illuminates.
- A "Stop/Start OFF" message appears in the instrument cluster display, and Autostop mode is disabled.
- To turn the system back on during the same drive, push the switch again. The light on the switch turns off.
The system resets itself to ON every time the ignition is turned off and back on.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (To Manually Turn Off The Stop/Start System; To Manually Turn On The Stop/Start System), read October 27, 2026.
Why your Grand Cherokee engine will not autostop
Before it shuts the engine down, the system checks many safety and comfort conditions. You can see details in the Stop/Start screen of the instrument cluster display. The manual lists these situations when the engine will not stop:
Temperature
Battery temperature is too warm or too cold, the engine has not reached normal operating temperature, or engine temperature is too high.
Cabin comfort
Cabin heating or cooling is still working toward an acceptable temperature, HVAC is set to MAX A/C, or HVAC is in full defrost mode at a high blower speed.
Battery
Battery charge is low.
Driver, doors and hood
The driver's seat belt is not buckled, the driver's door is not closed, or the hood is open.
Driving
The vehicle is on a steep grade, the transmission is not in a forward gear, or the steering angle is beyond the threshold.
Pedals and speed
The brake pedal is not pressed with enough pressure, there is accelerator pedal input, or the vehicle has not reached 5 mph since the previous Autostop.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not Autostop), read October 27, 2026. The manual notes that under more extreme conditions the vehicle may be driven several times without the system reaching a Stop/Start Ready state.
What makes the engine restart on its own
While in Autostop, the engine also starts automatically, without you releasing the brake, when:
- The transmission selector is moved out of DRIVE.
- The system needs to maintain cabin temperature comfort.
- HVAC is set to full defrost mode, or the HVAC temperature or fan speed is adjusted manually.
- Battery voltage drops too low.
- The Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed, or a Stop/Start system error occurs.
- The steering angle goes beyond the threshold.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start Automatically While In Autostop Mode), read October 27, 2026.
Grand Cherokee Stop/Start lights and messages
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Stop/Start Ready" in the cluster display | The system is ready and can stop the engine at the next stop if all conditions are met. | Nothing. Drive normally. |
| Stop/Start Active indicator light | The Stop/Start function is in Autostop mode; the engine is off during a stop. | Release the brake pedal or press the accelerator to restart. |
| Light on the Stop/Start OFF switch; "Stop/Start OFF" message | You switched the system off for this drive. | Push the switch again to turn it back on, or restart the vehicle. |
| "Service Stop/Start System" message and yellow Stop/Start telltale | A malfunction in the Stop/Start system. The system will not shut down the engine. | Have the system checked by an authorized dealer. |
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Instrument Cluster: Service Stop/Start System Warning Light, Stop/Start Active Indicator Light; Stop/Start System Malfunction), read October 27, 2026.
Two batteries: what Grand Cherokee owners should know
A main and a supplemental battery
Vehicles with the Stop/Start system have two batteries.
Disconnect both
Both the main and the supplemental batteries must be disconnected to completely de-energize the 12-volt electrical system. The manual warns that serious injury or death could result if you do not, and says to see an authorized dealer to learn how to disconnect them properly.
Low charge, no Autostop
Low battery charge and battery temperature are both on the list of reasons the engine will not autostop, and low battery voltage restarts the engine during an Autostop.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Stop/Start System warning; Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not Autostop), read October 27, 2026.
Stop/Start and battery service at Elgin CDJR
If your Grand Cherokee shows Service Stop/Start System, schedule a visit with our Jeep service department and tell your service advisor about the message. Our Express Lane handles battery tests, and Express Lane work is usually done while you wait.
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., closed Sunday; 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 Jeep battery service and Jeep service center pages.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Auto Stop/Start FAQ
How do I turn off Auto Stop/Start on my Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Push the Stop/Start OFF switch on the switch bank. The light on the switch comes on, and a Stop/Start OFF message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Can I turn Grand Cherokee Stop/Start off permanently?
Not from the switch. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual says the system resets itself to ON every time the ignition is turned off and back on, so you push the switch again on each drive.
Why does my Grand Cherokee not shut off at stop lights?
The system checks many conditions first. Common ones are an engine that has not warmed up, low battery charge or a battery that is too warm or cold, a cabin still heating or cooling, full defrost at high blower or MAX A/C, an unbuckled driver's seat belt, a steep grade, or not reaching 5 mph since the last Autostop.
Why did my Grand Cherokee engine restart by itself at a stop?
In Autostop the engine restarts on its own to keep the cabin comfortable, when you select full defrost or adjust the temperature or fan, when battery voltage drops, when the selector is moved out of DRIVE, or when the steering angle goes beyond the threshold.
What does Service Stop/Start System mean?
It means the system has a malfunction and will not shut the engine down. Have it checked by an authorized dealer, such as our Jeep service department.
Does a Grand Cherokee with Stop/Start have two batteries?
Yes. Vehicles with the Stop/Start system have a main and a supplemental battery, and both must be disconnected to fully de-energize the 12-volt system. See a dealer for the proper procedure.
Stop/Start warning on your Grand Cherokee?
Schedule a visit at Elgin CDJR in Streamwood, and tell your advisor what the cluster shows.
Sources
Stop/Start operation, conditions and messages are from the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual, read on October 27, 2026; 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.