How to Turn Off ECO Start/Stop in Your Mercedes-Benz

Quick answer: Press the ECO start/stop button, usually marked with an “A” inside a circular arrow, on the center console or overhead panel. The indicator light goes out and the engine will stay running at stops. On some newer models with MBUX, the setting lives in the vehicle menu on the central display. The system turns itself back on every time you restart the car. Selecting Sport in DYNAMIC SELECT also keeps the engine running at stops.

What ECO start/stop does

When you come to a full stop with your foot on the brake, the engine shuts off to save fuel and cut emissions. The moment you lift off the brake, it restarts, usually before your foot reaches the accelerator. Climate control, lights and the audio system keep running the whole time.

How to turn it off, step by step

1. Start the car.
2. Find the button with the “A” and the circular arrow. On most models it sits on the center console near the drive mode controls. On some, it is in the overhead panel.
3. Press it once. The green indicator turns off, and a message may appear in the instrument cluster.
4. On models without a physical button, open the vehicle settings on the central display and switch off ECO start/stop.

Why it comes back on every time

Mercedes-Benz sets start/stop to turn on with every new drive because the car’s official fuel economy figures are measured with it active. There is no factory setting to keep it off permanently. If you prefer it off, it is one press each drive, or choose Sport mode when you want the engine to stay running. Here is our guide to Mercedes-Benz drive modes.

Why it sometimes does not shut the engine off

Even when it is on, start/stop only works when conditions are right. The engine will keep running if:

• The cabin is still cooling down or warming up, which happens a lot on hot East Valley afternoons
• The engine has not reached normal operating temperature
• The battery charge is low, or the auxiliary battery needs attention
• You are on a steep slope, or the steering wheel is turned sharply
• The driver’s door is open or your seat belt is unbuckled

If start/stop has not worked for weeks even in mild weather, it can be an early sign that a battery is getting weak. See our guide to the auxiliary battery malfunction message.

Does start/stop wear out the starter or engine?

Cars with start/stop are built for it, with a heavier-duty starter and battery designed for frequent restarts. Using it as designed is normal.

Want it checked?

If start/stop never activates, our technicians can test both batteries and tell you whether anything needs attention. Schedule service at Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert or call (480) 407-5800.

Frequently asked questions

Can I permanently disable start/stop on my Mercedes?

Not with a factory setting. It turns back on with every restart. Pressing the button each drive or choosing Sport mode keeps the engine running.

Why does my Mercedes start/stop not work in summer?

The car keeps the engine running while the air conditioning works to cool the cabin. Once the cabin is comfortable, start/stop resumes.

Is it bad to use start/stop?

No. The car is designed for it, with a starter and battery built for frequent restarts.