How auto start-stop works

In the manual example, the Stop/Start function is developed to save fuel and reduce emissions. The system will stop the engine automatically as the vehicle decelerates at low speeds if the required conditions are met. Releasing the brake pedal or shifting out of DRIVE will automatically restart the engine.

The feature is enabled after every engine start, but it stays in a STOP/START NOT READY state until you first drive forward above a low speed. The manual gives 5 mph (8 km/h) in one passage and 2 mph (3 km/h) in another. After that, the system goes to STOP/START READY. To enter an Autostop, the system must be in STOP/START READY, the vehicle must be decelerating and likely coming to a complete stop, and the gear selector must be in DRIVE with the brake pedal pressed.

During an Autostop, the engine shuts down, the tachometer moves to the zero position and the Stop/Start telltale illuminates. The climate controls may automatically adjust airflow to maintain cabin comfort.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Stop/Start System, pages 187 and 188), read November 4, 2026. Other vehicles describe their own start-stop systems in their owner's manuals.

Why the engine does not always shut off

Before shutting the engine down, the system checks many safety and comfort conditions. In the manual example, the engine will not Autostop in situations such as these:

• The driver's seat belt is not buckled, or the driver's door is not closed
• The vehicle is on a steep grade
• Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an acceptable cabin temperature has not been achieved
• HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high blower speed
• The engine has not reached normal operating temperature, or engine or exhaust temperature is too high
• The battery is charging
• The transmission is not in DRIVE
• The hood is open
• The transfer case is in 4WD LOW, or TOW/HAUL mode is selected
• Accelerator pedal input or excessive 12 Volt loads

The manual also notes that it may be possible to operate the vehicle several consecutive times in extreme conditions and not meet all the criteria for an Autostop. So an engine that keeps running at a light is not necessarily a sign of a problem.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not Autostop, page 188), read November 4, 2026.

What restarts the engine

In DRIVE, the engine starts when the brake pedal is released or the accelerator pedal is pressed, and the transmission automatically reengages. The manual example also lists conditions that start the engine automatically during an Autostop:

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (To Start The Engine While In Autostop Mode, page 188), read November 4, 2026.

When the system shifts to PARK instead

In the manual example, the engine will not start automatically and the transmission will be placed in PARK if the driver door is open and the brake pedal is released, the driver door is open and the driver seat belt is unbuckled, the engine hood has been opened, or a Stop/Start system error is present.

The engine may then be restarted by moving the shift selector out of PARK or, in some cases, only by a key start. The instrument cluster shows a SHIFT OUT OF PARK message or a STOP/START KEY START REQUIRED message to indicate which action is required.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Conditions That Force An Automatic Shift To Park While In Autostop Mode, page 188), read November 4, 2026.

How to turn auto start-stop off

In the manual example, push the Stop/Start OFF switch, located on the switch bank. The light on the switch will illuminate, a STOP/START OFF message will appear in the instrument cluster display, and the Autostop mode will be disabled.

To turn it back on, push the same switch again; the light on the switch will turn off. Note that the system resets itself back to the ON position every time the ignition is turned OFF and back ON, so you need to push the switch again on each drive if you want it off.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (To Manually Turn Off and To Manually Turn On The Stop/Start System, pages 188 and 189), read November 4, 2026.

Stop/Start lights and messages

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Stop/Start Active Indicator Light, page 147; Stop/Start OFF, page 188; System Malfunction, page 189), read November 4, 2026.

Help at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center

Our service department works on all makes and models. If your vehicle shows a start-stop service message, or the engine no longer shuts off at stops when it used to, schedule a visit and tell us what you are seeing. For a manufacturer-specific repair, your owner's manual may direct you to that brand's dealer.

Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Schedule service, see our service specials or get directions.