Disable Auto Start/Stop on new Passat

[russellwrx]

Hello. I'm new to the forum. Last week I picked up my new 2011 B7 Passat, great car. One feature that I would change is make automatic start/stop off when car starts and activated if needed with the button. Anybody knows if it's possible and if yes how?
Thank you.

[kleung]

Hello. I'm new to the forum. Last week I picked up my new 2011 B7 Passat, great car. One feature that I would change is make automatic start/stop off when car starts and activated if needed with the button. Anybody knows if it's possible and if yes how?
Thank you.

A feature like that would generally show up somewhere in the MFD menus, possibly in a similar fashion to the Auto Hold function - with Auto Hold you can set it to default to 'on' at startup or default to 'off' at startup. It would stand to reason that Start/stop would be similarly configurable.

Without intending to sound rude, is there any mention of this function in the manual? I say this because if the 2011 Passat's manual is anything like my 2010, it's severely lacking in detail in many areas (and flat out wrong in others), so it's entirely possible that it's not mentioned at all in the manual.

If it's not mentioned in the manual and there's no config option in the MFD, then it'll probably take some VAG-COM wizardry if it's at all possible.

[Buzy_Robot]

Definitely should be able to change the default settings russellwrx. I read a review over at CarAdvice and they mention that there is a button near the gearstick which allows you to turn it off. Like kleung mentions there could be an option in the MFD which will let you change the default setting. Try your dealer or Volkswagen Australia. By the way, why do you want to turn it off by default?

I notice you're from Victoria too and within the month I'll be shopping for the same car as you. Which dealer did you purchase it from and would you recommend them?

[russellwrx]

Yes there is a button to switch it off, but default settings is on. I would be nice if default was off and switch it on only when you want it.
According to the car's computer it uses around 0.8-0.9 liters per hour when stationary. It's just not worth it. I can't see how it can be healthy for the car to start stop 50+ time a day.
Unfortunately there is nothing in the manual to tell me how to disable that feature permanently.

I notice you're from Victoria too and within the month I'll be shopping for the same car as you. Which dealer did you purchase it from and would you recommend them?

I bought my car from Barloworld Volkswagen Bayside on Nepean Hwy, the initial impression is very good.

[Buzy_Robot]

I see your point russellwrx, but presumably VW would have designed the system so that it doesn't harm the engine? You've certainly got me thinking about this feature though. It's not something I've had in a car before and if I don't like it and/or don't want to use it, I should have the option to turn it off by default. I'll have to consider the TSI and TDI carefully in the next few weeks, that's for sure.

If you can get an answer on this from your dealer or VW Australia, let us know.

South Yarra, Essendon and Werribee are closer to me, but Barloworld sounds good, so I might give them a try too.

[russellwrx]

Spoke today to the dealer. They said that auto start/stop feature can not be changed permanently . It can be switched off for the duration of the trip, but by default it will be on again when you start your car.
Can somebody please confirm if it's true.

[Buzy_Robot]

Bummer! All I can suggest russellwrx is you ask VW Australia directly to confirm and/or ring another dealer to verify what your dealer told you. Other than pressing the button, maybe you just need to give yourself some time to get used to this feature? I do hope this doesn't spoil your enjoyment of the car.

[tryingavw]

russ, my father just picked up his brand new E Merc 250CDI with start stop ( also one of the first in Oz with a 7 speed gearbox).and when i drove it i did not like the auto stop function. neither does my dad so i will see if the merc can turn it off.

Also - the weirdest thing is with the car stopped if you turn the wheel at all the engine starts again for the power steering. YUK. does the passat do this?

[dopey]

I just put a deposit on a 125TDI today myself, I took it for a very long test drive and initially the start-stop threw me off a bit. After a while I began to ignore it, and I didn't notice it as much with the radio turned up a little. Still, I can see myself disabling it for the duration of most trips unless I'm in a traffic jam.

[Leagle]

I thought the stop start feature would be great. Whats wrong with it? Why would you want to disable it?

[dopey]

I thought the stop start feature would be great. Whats wrong with it? Why would you want to disable it?

Well, for myself and probably more-so my wife it would prompt a slight change in driving habit. The way the traffic tends to move a majority of the time involves a lot of "creeping" at which point the start stop becomes a little annoying. If you try to minimise creeping as much as you can then the start-stop isn't quite as much of an annoyance.

[Buzy_Robot]

Having lived with a 125TDI B7 Passat sedan for two weeks I can see the pros and cons of the start-stop system. Absolutely brilliant in bumper-to-bumper traffic and at traffic lights, somewhat annoying when it's not really needed and decidedly unnerving at busy intersections and roundabouts! I'm not suggesting the car will stall, rather I'd prefer to have the engine running at some of the more challenging roundabouts and intersections on our roads.

I would also prefer the option of disabling it by default. Why? Although the switch is available on the gearbox console, it's a distraction to hunt for it when driving. The switch is located on the passenger side and when in Drive, the gearshift obscures it. Having other similar buttons on the transmission console is also far from intuitive.

So, a useful feature, but not a must-have.

[dopey]

I only picked my car up a few hours ago but already both times that I've taken it for a drive this evening I've hit the disable button before taking off. Seems like it's instinct already. Bloody annoying Bluemotion junk

[Buzy_Robot]

I hear you dopey! I have to wonder how much the start/stop system contributes to actual fuel saving. The diesel donk is economical in its own right and the brake energy recuperation is another unobtrusive fuel saving feature.

[wai]

What happens if you have the air conditioner on? Once the engine stops you would have no cooling. Would not be too comfortable in summer.