How-to · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Jeep Wrangler Auto Stop/Start: How It Works and How to Turn It Off
If your Wrangler has Engine Stop/Start (ESS), the engine can shut off by itself at a stop and restart when you lift off the brake. Here is how the system decides when to stop the engine, how to switch it off for a drive, why it often will not autostop on a cold morning, and what its messages mean, from the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Owner's Manual.
Every startStop/Start turns itself back on each ignition cycle
10°Fbelow this outside temperature, the engine will not autostop
5 minlongest Autostop before the engine restarts on its own
2batteries on Wranglers with Stop/Start
The short answer
To turn off Auto Stop/Start on a Wrangler, 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. The system turns itself back on every time the ignition is turned off and back on, so you push it again each drive if you want it off. The manual recommends disabling Stop/Start during off-road use. If the engine does not stop at a light, the system is usually waiting on a condition, such as engine temperature, battery charge, cabin temperature or an outside temperature below 10°F.
How Wrangler Engine Stop/Start works
The Engine Stop/Start (ESS) function is designed to reduce fuel consumption. During a vehicle stop, it shuts the engine off automatically if the required conditions are met. On an automatic transmission, releasing the brake pedal or pressing the accelerator restarts the engine, and the transmission re-engages automatically.
The feature is enabled after every ignition start. The system goes to STOP/START READY, shown 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 on an automatic transmission, the vehicle must be completely stopped, with the shifter in a forward gear and the brake pedal pressed.
Wranglers with ESS have a heavy-duty starter, an enhanced battery and other upgraded engine parts to handle the extra engine starts. Vehicles equipped with eTorque also have a heavy-duty motor generator and an additional hybrid electric battery that stores energy from deceleration for restarting the engine and for launch torque assist.
From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Owner's Manual (Starting And Operating: Stop/Start System - Automatic Transmission, If Equipped), read October 26, 2026. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid has its own starting procedure in the manual.
How to turn off Auto Stop/Start on a Jeep Wrangler
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 Stop/Start section of the instrument cluster display, and the Autostop function 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. The manual recommends disabling Stop/Start during off-road use.
From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Owner's Manual (Stop/Start OFF Switch; To Manually Turn Off/On The Stop/Start System), read October 26, 2026.
Why your Wrangler engine will not autostop
Before it shuts the engine down, the system checks many safety and comfort conditions. The manual lists these situations (among others) when the engine will not stop on an automatic-transmission Wrangler:
Cold or hot weather
Outside temperature is below 10°F (-12°C) or above 109°F (43°C); battery temperature is too warm or too cold; or the engine has not reached normal operating temperature.
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 at a high blower speed.
Battery
Battery charge is low.
Driver and doors
The driver's seat belt is not buckled, the driver's door is not closed, or the hood is open.
Driving and 4WD
The transfer case is in 4L or N (Neutral), the vehicle is on a steep grade, the transmission is not in a forward gear or the gear selector is in MANUAL (M) mode, the steering angle is beyond the threshold, or Adaptive Cruise Control is on with a speed set.
Pedals and speed
The brake pedal is not pressed with enough pressure, there is accelerator pedal input, or the vehicle has not reached the speed threshold since the previous Autostop.
Other
The vehicle is at high altitude, the engine or exhaust temperature is too high, or a system fault is present.
From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Owner's Manual (Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not Autostop), read October 26, 2026. The manual notes that under more extreme conditions the vehicle may be driven several times without the system reaching STOP/START READY.
What makes the engine restart on its own
While in Autostop on an automatic-transmission Wrangler, the engine also starts automatically, without you lifting off the brake, when:
- The transmission selector is moved out of DRIVE.
- The system needs to maintain cabin temperature comfort, or the actual cabin temperature is significantly different from the temperature set on Auto HVAC.
- HVAC is set to full defrost, or the HVAC temperature or fan speed is manually adjusted higher.
- Battery voltage drops too low.
- The Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed, or a Stop/Start system error occurs.
- Autostop has been active for more than five minutes.
- The transfer case is put in 4L or N (Neutral), or the steering wheel is turned beyond the threshold.
From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Owner's Manual (Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start Automatically While In Autostop Mode), read October 26, 2026.
Wranglers with a manual transmission
On a manual-transmission Wrangler with ESS, pressing the clutch pedal restarts the engine. After each ignition start the system stays in STOP/START NOT READY until you drive forward faster than 5 mph (8 km/h). For Autostop, the system must be in STOP/START READY, vehicle speed must be below 2 mph (3 km/h), and the gear selector must be in NEUTRAL with the clutch pedal fully released.
The Stop/Start OFF switch works the same way. If you turn the system off manually, the engine can only be started and stopped by cycling the ignition switch.
From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Owner's Manual (Stop/Start System - Manual Transmission, If Equipped), read October 26, 2026.
Wrangler 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 at a stop. | Release the brake (or press the clutch on a manual) 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. If a malfunction happens during an Autostop, the vehicle may not auto start and will need a key start. |
From the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Owner's Manual (Instrument Cluster: Service Stop/Start System Warning Light, Stop/Start Active Indicator Light; Stop/Start System Malfunction), read October 26, 2026.
Two batteries: what Wrangler owners should know
A secondary battery
Wranglers with Stop/Start have a secondary battery that powers the Stop/Start system and the 12-volt electrical system. It is located behind the wheel well for the front passenger wheel.
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 Wrangler Owner's Manual (Secondary Battery; Start/Stop Mode warning), read October 26, 2026.
Stop/Start and battery service at Elgin CDJR
If your Wrangler shows SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM, schedule a visit with our Jeep service department and tell your service advisor about the message. Our Mopar Express Lane offers 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 Wrangler Auto Stop/Start FAQ
How do I turn off Auto Stop/Start on my Jeep Wrangler?
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 Wrangler Stop/Start off permanently?
Not from the switch. The 2026 Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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, a cabin still heating or cooling, full defrost or MAX A/C, an unbuckled driver's seat belt, a steep grade, 4L or Neutral on the transfer case, or an outside temperature below 10°F or above 109°F.
Why did my Wrangler engine restart by itself at a stop?
In Autostop the engine restarts on its own to keep the cabin comfortable, when you turn up the heat or fan or select full defrost, when battery voltage drops, when the shifter leaves DRIVE, or after five minutes in Autostop.
Should I turn off Stop/Start when off-roading?
Yes. The manual recommends disabling Stop/Start during off-road use. The engine also will not autostop with the transfer case in 4L.
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.
Where is the second battery on a Wrangler?
On Wranglers with Stop/Start, the secondary battery is behind the wheel well for the front passenger wheel. Both batteries must be disconnected to fully de-energize the 12-volt system; see a dealer for the proper procedure.
Stop/Start warning on your Wrangler?
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 Wrangler Owner's Manual, read on October 26, 2026; other model years can differ, so check your own manual. Our services, address and hours are from our own website, checked October 27, 2026. Photo is illustrative.