How to Disable Auto Start-Stop on Ford F-150 (Permanently, With Your Phone)

If you own a 2017+ Ford F-150, you've experienced this: You're stopped at a red light, the engine shuts off, everything goes silent, the AC stops blowing cold air... and then the light turns green, you press the gas, the engine restarts with a slight delay, and you finally accelerate.

This is Auto Start-Stop (also called Stop/Start), and it's designed to save fuel by killing your engine at idle. In theory, it's great. In practice, it's infuriating.

The good news? You can permanently disable it—no button-pressing every single time you start your truck. This guide shows you how.

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Why Ford Added Auto Start-Stop (And Why It's Annoying)

Ford's Reasoning

Auto Start-Stop is an EPA fuel economy feature. By shutting off the engine at idle (stoplights, traffic, drive-thrus), Ford claims you can save 3-5% on fuel consumption.

For Ford, this translates to better EPA ratings, lower fleet emissions targets, and meeting CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards. On paper, it looks great: "Your F-150 gets 20 city, 26 highway, 22 combined!"

Why Owners Hate It

1. The delay — When the light turns green, there's a 0.5-1 second lag before the engine restarts and you can move. In busy traffic or quick lights, this is maddening.

2. AC/heat stops — When the engine shuts off, so does the compressor. In summer, the cabin heats up fast. In winter, the heat stops blowing.

3. Battery wear — Your battery takes a charge hit every time the engine restarts. While Ford uses enhanced AGM batteries to handle this, it's still extra wear.

4. Starter wear — Your starter motor fires dozens of extra times per day. Ford claims it's designed for this, but enthusiasts remain skeptical.

5. The vibration — The engine restart isn't always smooth. Some F-150s shudder slightly when start-stop re-engages, especially after long idle periods.

6. You have to press the button every time — The system resets to "on" every time you start your truck. Even if you hate it, you have to press the button every single drive.

The Real Fuel Savings

Ford's 3-5% claim is optimistic. Real-world testing shows:

• Highway driving: 0% savings (start-stop doesn't activate above ~15 mph)
• City driving: 1-2% savings if you idle frequently
• Towing/hauling: Often disabled automatically (system won't engage under heavy load)

For most drivers, auto start-stop saves less than $50/year in fuel. If you drive 15,000 miles/year at 20 mpg and gas is $3/gallon, a 2% savings = $45.

Is $45 worth the annoyance? Most F-150 owners say no.

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The Temporary Fix (Press the Button Every Time)

The obvious solution: press the button on your dash. On 2017-2025 F-150s, there's a physical button labeled "A" with a circular arrow around it, usually on the center console or near the shifter.

Press it, and auto start-stop turns off. The button lights up, and the system stays disabled—until you turn off the truck.

The problem: It resets every time. Next time you start your F-150, start-stop is back on. You have to press the button every. Single. Time.

This isn't a solution—it's a bandaid. After weeks of pressing the button, you start Googling "how to disable auto start-stop permanently."

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The Permanent Fix: Module Programming

Here's the secret Ford doesn't advertise: Auto start-stop has a "memory" setting buried in your truck's PCM (Powertrain Control Module).

By default, this setting is disabled. But if you turn it on, your F-150 will remember your preference—if you press the button to turn off start-stop, it stays off even after restarting the truck.

This is the permanent fix. One button press, and start-stop never turns on again unless you manually re-enable it.

What You're Actually Changing

You're modifying the PCM's as-built data—a settings file that defines how your truck behaves. Specifically, you're changing a single byte that controls "start-stop memory."

This doesn't:

• Void your warranty (technically it could, but Ford can't detect it unless you tell them)
• Damage your truck (it's a simple on/off setting)
• Affect anything else (you're only changing one feature)

This does:

• Make the system remember your last setting
• Let you drive normally without pressing the button every day
• Save your sanity

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Method 1: Disable Auto Start-Stop with OvalCode (Easiest)

OvalCode is a Ford coding app for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. It lets you enable/disable features like auto start-stop memory without dealing with hex code or module addresses.

What You Need

1. OvalCode app (available for Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android)
2. OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth recommended: OBDLink MX+ or Veepeak BLE+) — see our OBD2 adapter buying guide if you need one
3. 5 minutes

Step-by-Step

1. Download OvalCode from ovalcode.app/download
2. Plug your OBD2 adapter into the port under your steering wheel (driver's side, above the pedals)
3. Turn your truck to "Accessory" mode (press the Start button without pressing the brake, or turn the key to ACC)
4. Open OvalCode on your phone, laptop, or tablet
5. Connect to your truck (OvalCode will auto-detect the adapter via Bluetooth)
6. Navigate to "Comfort Features" → "Auto Start-Stop"
7. Enable "Remember Start-Stop Preference"
8. Click Apply — OvalCode writes the new setting to your PCM
9. Restart your truck to apply changes

Done. Now press the start-stop button once to turn it off. From now on, your F-150 will remember that setting every time you start the truck.

Why OvalCode is Easier

• Plain English — No hex code, no module addresses, no guessing
• Automatic backup — OvalCode saves your original settings before making changes
• Works on any platform — Use your phone, Mac, or Windows laptop
• One-click restore — If you ever want start-stop back, re-enable it in seconds

Try OvalCode free for 14 days → Start Free Trial

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Method 2: Disable Auto Start-Stop with FORScan (Technical)

FORScan is a free/paid Windows diagnostic tool that gives you direct access to Ford's control modules. It's powerful but technical—you'll be editing hex values manually.

What You Need

1. FORScan software (Windows only, or Mac with Parallels/Boot Camp)
2. OBD2 adapter (OBDLink EX recommended, Veepeak works)
3. USB cable to connect adapter to laptop
4. 10-15 minutes (including setup)

Step-by-Step

1. Download FORScan from forscan.org
2. Install and launch FORScan on your Windows laptop
3. Plug your OBD2 adapter into your truck's OBD port
4. Connect adapter to laptop via USB
5. Turn truck to Accessory mode (ignition on, engine off)
6. Click "Connect" in FORScan—it will scan for your vehicle
7. Navigate to PCM (Powertrain Control Module) in the module list
8. Open "As-Built Data" for the PCM
9. Find the address controlling auto start-stop memory (varies by year—check F150forum.com for your specific year/build)
10. Change the byte value from xx to the "memory enabled" value (usually 01 or similar—confirm in forums)
11. Write the change to the PCM
12. Restart your truck

Challenges with FORScan

• Windows-only — Mac users need virtualization
• Hex code — You're editing raw byte values, not clicking checkboxes
• Year-specific settings — The exact address and value differ by model year, engine, and build date
• Manual backups — FORScan won't automatically back up your PCM data (you have to remember)
• No built-in descriptions — FORScan won't tell you what each byte does—you need forum posts

FORScan is free and powerful, but it's not beginner-friendly.

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Method 3: Physical Workarounds (Not Recommended)

Some F-150 owners have tried physical "hacks" to defeat auto start-stop:

1. Fuse Pull

Some models have a fuse for the start-stop system (usually labeled "SSM" or "Start-Stop Module"). Pulling it disables the feature.

Problems:

• Not all F-150s have a dedicated fuse (2021+ models don't)
• Pulling the wrong fuse can disable other systems
• Triggers a dashboard warning light
• Doesn't actually "solve" the problem—just breaks the system

2. Battery Sensor Disconnect

Auto start-stop relies on a battery sensor to know if the battery has enough charge. Disconnecting it disables the feature.

Problems:

• Triggers a warning light
• Can cause other electrical issues (charging system warnings)
• Not a "clean" solution

3. Aftermarket Devices

Companies sell plug-in devices that "trick" the system into thinking conditions aren't right for start-stop to engage (e.g., fake battery voltage readings).

Problems:

• Cost $50-100+
• Another thing to plug in and maintain
• May interfere with other OBD systems

Bottom line: Physical workarounds are messy and unreliable. Programming the module is the clean, proper solution.

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Will Disabling Start-Stop Void My Warranty?

Technically, it could. Practically, it won't.

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, Ford can only void your warranty if your modification caused the specific failure. For example:

• Disabling start-stop won't void your warranty if your transmission fails
• It might void your warranty if your starter fails (though Ford would have to prove causation)

How Ford would know: They can't, unless you tell them or they specifically look for as-built changes. Dealers use the same diagnostic tools you're using—but they don't audit every setting on every vehicle.

Best practice: If you're taking your truck in for warranty work, restore the factory start-stop setting first. Takes 30 seconds in OvalCode, eliminates any possible issue.

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Does Disabling Start-Stop Affect Fuel Economy?

Yes, slightly—but not as much as Ford claims.

Ford's EPA rating assumes auto start-stop is active. If you disable it, you'll lose:

• 0-2% in city driving (depending on how much you idle)
• 0% on the highway (start-stop doesn't activate at speed)

For a truck that gets 20 mpg city, you're looking at 0.2-0.4 mpg difference. On 15,000 miles/year, that's $30-50 in extra fuel cost.

Is $40/year worth eliminating the delay, vibration, and button-pressing? Most F-150 owners say yes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will this damage my truck?

No. You're changing a software setting, not modifying hardware. Thousands of F-150 owners have disabled start-stop with no issues.

Can I re-enable it later?

Yes. If you use OvalCode or FORScan, you can restore the factory setting anytime. Your original as-built data is backed up.

Does this work on all F-150 years?

It works on 2017-2025 F-150s equipped with auto start-stop (most EcoBoost and hybrid models). Exact module addresses vary by year, so confirm compatibility before coding.

Will I get a warning light?

No. The system won't know you've disabled memory—it just thinks you prefer start-stop off.

Do I need to do this every time I start the truck?

No—that's the whole point. Once you enable "memory," the system remembers your preference. You press the button once to disable start-stop, and it stays off forever (until you manually turn it back on).

Is this legal?

Yes. You're modifying your own vehicle's software settings. This isn't emissions-related, so EPA regulations don't apply.

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The Bottom Line: Get Rid of Auto Start-Stop for Good

Auto start-stop was designed to improve EPA ratings, not driving experience. For most F-150 owners, the "fuel savings" are negligible, but the annoyance is constant.

You have three options:

1. Press the button every time (not a solution)
2. Use FORScan (free, technical, Windows-only)
3. Use OvalCode (easy, works on any device, plain English)

If you're comfortable with hex code and have a Windows laptop, FORScan works. If you want the easy solution that works on your phone, OvalCode is faster and simpler.

Stop pressing the button every day. Disable auto start-stop permanently in under 5 minutes.

While you're at it, check out the 10 best F-150 FORScan mods — auto start-stop is just the beginning of what you can customize. And if you're new to this whole thing, our beginner's guide to Ford vehicle coding explains everything you need to know.

Ready to fix it? Get OvalCode →

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