Back in May I bought a brand new Ford F-150 Platinum.  This truck is hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned. I replaced the worst one, a new Toyota Tacoma with constant transmission problems. The new F-150 design and features are so well thought out that there is no doubt in my mind why it is the best selling truck.  However, its not quite perfect. It comes with one of the most annoying features on the planet: Auto Start Stop Technology, and it sucks! But now I have made it the perfect truck again with the discovery of the Autostop Eliminator!

Disable Auto Start-Stop on the Ford F-150 Permanently

You see Ford really screwed the pooch on this design (I suspect under pressure from the EPA to meet CAFE standards). They designed the system so that Auto-Start stop can only be disabled by manually pressing the auto-start stop button at the beginning (or during) your current trip. Each time you shut off the vehicle Auto Start-Stop is reset to the on position. Even though there is nothing preventing Ford from adding a menu option to disable Auto Start-Stop permanently, they have chosen not to do so!

The auto-start stop is just software. In fact, if you have a you can disable auto-start stop permanently with one caveat: Ford will likely void your warranty! As with most programmers, changing the firmware is a big no-no under Ford’s warranty and contrary to popular belief, even if you set it back to factory they can still tell the code was flashed and how many times. They will know, and you will be screwed.

Autostop Eliminator for the Ford F-150

Then along comes this device.  The Autostop Eliminator for the Ford F-150! The device is pure genius. This device works by plugging in-line behind the auto-start stop button on the dash and basically presses the button for you (electrically) after the vehicle starts. And it gets even better. The Autostop Eliminator remembers your preference. If for some reason you don’t want to disable auto-start stop permanently just press the button on your dash and auto-start stop is re-enabled. Whenever you shut off the truck the device remembers the last setting and keeps it in place!

Since the Autostop Eliminator does not change any of the programming or in any way change the vehicle, it won’t void your warranty. If they try the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act of 1975 will make it very difficult for them to succeed; auto manufactures bear the burden of proof that a device you added caused a defect or damage to the vehicle. Not that this matters because it is incredible simple to remove the device before taking it to the dealer and its prior presence would be completely undetectable! Again, all it does is electrically press the button on your behalf.

The Autostop Eliminator takes about five to ten minutes to install. It was incredibly simple. Pop three clips loose across the top of your dash, unscrew two screws and then plug in the device. It’s that simple.  They even have a great video showing how it’s installed.

The Autostop Eliminator adds the functionality that Ford should have included from the factory!

Why Auto-Start Stop Sucks

Inevitably when I mention disabling auto start-stop permanently, there’s someone in the crowd who wants to know why it bothers me so much. I’ve even been accused of being a climate change denier because I don’t support this feature (I am not). Let me break down for you why this technology is incredibly stupid as it exists today and the reasons why I can’t stand it.

Auto Start-Stop Almost Definitely Does Not Save Fuel

There has been study after study on the merits of auto-start stop technology and whether or not it actually saves any fuel. Additionally, there are many YouTube videos where this is put to the test. The problem arises in how the EPA tests fuel economy. It is a specific set of tests under specific driving conditions. Auto start-stop is designed specifically to pass that test with flying colors. It’s like you’re a school kid with the answer sheet at test time. Of course you passed. However, in the real world that’s randomized the test results are far from stellar. If auto start-stop actually does save fuel, it’s almost definitely not enough to actually matter.

Auto Start-Stop Is Bad for your Battery

Again, there have been test after test done on this so don’t trust me, Google it! The use of auto start-stop technology will shorten the life of your battery. The auto manufacturers will tell you they designed for that in their specifications and that battery life meets the specs. Of course it does! They designed the battery to last three years with the technology on, but it might last four years with it off. The replacement cost of the battery alone will pay for any fuel savings you might have gotten from auto start-stop along the way! Disabling auto start-stop permanently is good for your battery!

Auto Start-Stop Ruins the Driving Experience

Permanently disabling auto start-stop on my Ford F-150 makes it a pleasure to drive: it behaves normally! The engine doesn’t clunk to a stop and then shake the vehicle when it starts again a few seconds later. My power steering works at a stop. I don’t have to let off the brake and give it gas to turn. My air conditioning continues to cool properly on a hot summer day.  My radio doesn’t seem to get louder or softer as the motor starts and stops.

Permanently disabling auto start-stop on the Ford F-150 makes it a real delight to drive and I would recommend to anyone with an F-150 to do this quick and easy upgrade!

Disable Auto Start-Stop Permanently on the F-150

So go ahead and do it! Disable auto start-stop permanently on your F-150! You’ll be glad you did. There are other tricks out there for disabling auto start-stop, but I can’t recommend any of them. Jumping the wire is not safe electrically and will most definitely void your warranty. Using the trailer plug hack is flat out dangerous (it disables other safety features like rear cross traffic detection, your anti-sway programming will be off, and your blind spot monitor will not detect cars properly), don’t even think about doing that!