Very useful - easy to follow and clear instructions on how to disable the iStop. Have been searching for a solution for quite a while and finally got one that actually works! Thanks!
The I-Stop on my Mazda CX-5 was flashing in amber and the warning light was ON until I replaced the battery to Q85 battery as recommended in the manual. After installing a new battery from the shop, I drove back to my house to put in some charge on the battery. Then I followed your instructions on resetting the I-Stop and Warning lights. Now I can utilize the I-Stop function whenever I need it especially when I get in the middle of traffic congestion. At least it's good to have the I-Stop ready to work. Thank you for your video - it saved me a good amount of money.
Excellent video and instruction. Like others on this thread, have been trying to deactivate the iStop function for a long time. I consider it superfluous, a sales gimmick!! But it requires the car (Mazda CX5, 2017 model) to use an expensive battery (AGM) to withstand the constant stop/start actions. Thank you so much.
Perfect solution. Thank you. I had to do a similar mod on my previous Skoda Fabia. On the Skoda, we just have to remove the BCM (Battery Control [software] Module) from the battery negative terminal and tuck it away neatly. That defeats the start/stop function as well as allow the battery to fully charge and not be limited to 85% by the BCM. Nirvana!
Thank you for your comment Terry. I'm glad this solution worked for you. I assume that Mazda CX5 does not have the BCM on the negative terminal? Is that correct?
Good video 👍, it also works on a 2017 Mazda CX5 ("KF series") Maxx Sport AWD which i own. I have done almost the exact same thing before watching this (found it out through a forum) You dont actually need to fully unscrew micro switch & seperate it from the latch, i just loosened the screw & rotated the normally closed micro switch away from bonnet catch then retightened the screw fixing micro switch into its "new un-operatable & unswitched position" Hope that helps ..... Now with the Istop "permanently disabled" we should be able to install a "Standard & far cheaper Lead Acid Battery when existing Start/Stop battery which is quite expensive 💰💰needs replacing and save quite a few dollars in the process. 😊💰💰💰🤑
Thank you for your comment. Glad it worked on your model also. Yes, you are right, rotating the micro switch works just as well. Could not agree more about the Start/Stop batteries being quite $$$. Intend to get a normal Lead Acid Battery when my current one goes. Hopefully can get a few more years out of it. :)
MarstaJNZ , Im Going to change it next year (then original battery about 4 years old) however im wanting to change it before the original battery shits itself, then can keep original while i install & Use / test Regular PB battery incase theres an issue, (still have the option to swap it back) i watched the voltage while driving the alternator range is between 12.5 to 15V so i believe it should be ok 🧐😊
Thanks for this. This damn istop has driven my wife nuts on her Mazda. Umpteen issues with it (causes her to eat through batteries)and now Mazda want a fortune to replace the alternator even though all it is, is an istop issue that she wants permanently turned off anyway.
It's the same solution on the Mazda 2 Notwithstanding the above and the video itself, I have found that when you come to light and stop situations, dont push the brake pedal too hard as that initiates the engine shut--down. Just be gentle with the foot pressure and the engine will keep running.
Own 17 plate Mazda CX3 - Purchased the car with only 2000 mile on the clock and the i-stop never really worked. Only in the summer when the battery was fully charged would the battery Icon in the eco panel light up and the i stop work, so considered it a total waste of time and it didn't save enough fuel to warrant getting it sorted. Recent frosts and not starting it to keep it charged resulted in a flat battery, when jump started, all was fine except the I-stop light was flashing continuosly orange and the switch to turn it off had no effect. I did what the video above suggested and removed the switch under the bonnet. Didn't bother putting it in a bag or anything, all I did was push it to one side out of the way as it was always exposeed to the elements. I initially replaced the securing screw, should I ever need it again, but found that with the screw screwed right in the bonnet wouldn't close because the screw protruded too far in preventing the safety catch of the bonnet release from withdrawing to allow the bonnet catch to locate into its locking mechanism. But, I have no orange lights and all appears to be working well. One thing to bear in mind is that the distance between the screwhead and the bulkhead is only about an inch preventing any srewdriver from locating in the screw squarely so I used a screwdriver bit (with a bit of cotton tied to it so that if I dropped it I could easily recover it) and a pair of grips. Hope this helps
This looks like a good solution. I just hope this doesn't change anything else such as airbags working ect as the car thinks its in a service mode state 😕
Good point Gary. I wish I knew the answer to your concern. Being just a user, I do not have the in-depth knowledge. Please do let me know if you find out more.
Maybe someone at the Mazda service will know this. I really need to know the answer before doing this modification!... My wife's life is a bit more important than not having to push a button every time.
@@stanislavdimitrov8800 well, I ended up doing it several months back and had no issues at all. I figured, a switch wouldn't be enough to disable the airbag as it could become defective at any time, and would be damaged first in a crash as its at the front of the vehicle. So should be safe
@@leopold9999 thanks but I don't think this reasoning is solid enough grounds to make the potentially dangerous modification myself. I'll try to get more info on it. The switch getting destroyed in a crash doesn't mean that the computer will immediately react and disable the airbags in an instant.
While I'm not an car electrician I would say that yes, you can use a "normal" non start/stop battery. I'm still using a start/stop battery myself as I had purchased it before I disabled this function. But when the time comes to replace, I'll certainly buy a normal battery. I would still stick with the prescribed type (voltage, CCA, ah) but without the start/stop capability. They are considerably cheaper which is always nice. If you do end up buying a normal battery, please do let me know how if you notice any difference in starting functionality / capacity.
I do not have an alarm on my car, so I cannot confirm. But the immobilizer works just fine. yes, the turn signals still light up when locking/unlocking.
They have improved this a lot in the CX-5 2022 model. In order to activate istoo you have to press the break pedal much lower. If you just keep the car stopped normally the istop does not activate
No. By applying this solution, the sensor is already in a "disconnect" position, disabling the iStop function. This is exactly what the mechanic wants to perform the service. As such, you do not need to connect the sensor back. You may want to let you mechanic know that you have disconnected the sensor, so they are aware and don't connect it back for you.
Will this solution light up any lights on the dashboard, that the i-switch functionality is disabled during the driving, similar to pressing the iswitch button on the dashboard?
Hey i believe on 2018 models & newer i have heard there is an audible warning, similar to car door been left open when Bonnet is up (or bonnet switch is in open position) I have not tested this so if any one who has a 2018 or newer, please let us know, Thanks
Mate did everything you said 3 times over but it’s still flashing amber and battery warning light is still on. My car is a 2016 model. Thanks for your reply
If your istop warning and battery warning light is on, it means you have an issue with your istop system/battery (could need a new battery soon). This solution only works if your istop is working fine, as it just tells istop not to work as the "hood is open". If your istop system has its own problem, this will not do anything for that warning light
What year model is your Cx5? Nobody else has reported similar symptoms to yours. It is possible that newer models have other electronic systems in place. I'm sorry I cannot offer any solutions at this stage as I just have my car to test things on.
Tried on 2020 Mazda2. i-stop not working anymore BUT NO FLASHING LIGHT WHEN LOCKING MY CAR. I think this system affect security alarm because this method trick a car as always open a bonet.
how could mazda just make this i-stop an option or make it memory that you can turn it off or disabled. just like the cruise control! i am really pissed off shitty feature! totally regret buying mazda!
Don’t do it this got me a fault code that I have not been able to delete red exclamation warning and istop amber flashing, I did reset for is top reset the ecu etc… the code never got deleted, it disappeared for a day or two and then came back. 😡
CARRYING OUT THIS MOD WILL DISABLE THE SECURITY SYSTEM OF THE CAR BE WARNED,. NO FLASHER LIGHT ON LOCKING INDICATES THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN ACTIVATED.
Does it affect the alarm of my car? I have also read in the comments section of anothers video, that it affected the flashing light (lights flashing when locking your car) You know something about that?
On my 2014 model the flashing lights are still working when locking the car. I cannot comment on alarm functionality as my model is not fitted with an alarm.
Hi Flatwhite. Thank you for your comment. Can you please share the source of this information? If I can verify the correctness of this information, I would probably reverse this modification as I certainly do not want to jeoperdise my safety and the safety of my passanger. Thank you.
I-stop is one of the invention that totally not needed.
Well done mate,that istop has been pissing me off for a year,job done
Very useful - easy to follow and clear instructions on how to disable the iStop. Have been searching for a solution for quite a while and finally got one that actually works! Thanks!
You're welcome!
The I-Stop on my Mazda CX-5 was flashing in amber and the warning light was ON until I replaced the battery to Q85 battery as recommended in the manual. After installing a new battery from the shop, I drove back to my house to put in some charge on the battery. Then I followed your instructions on resetting the I-Stop and Warning lights. Now I can utilize the I-Stop function whenever I need it especially when I get in the middle of traffic congestion. At least it's good to have the I-Stop ready to work. Thank you for your video - it saved me a good amount of money.
Excellent video and instruction. Like others on this thread, have been trying to deactivate the iStop function for a long time. I consider it superfluous, a sales gimmick!! But it requires the car (Mazda CX5, 2017 model) to use an expensive battery (AGM) to withstand the constant stop/start actions. Thank you so much.
Brilliant, followed the instructions and am now istop free. Many thanks.
Happy to hear you found the video useful and can enjoy driving your Mazda without the engine being constantly turned off and on. :)
Will the battery life spend effected if removing the sensor,?
Worked perfectly. Thx
Perfect solution. Thank you.
I had to do a similar mod on my previous Skoda Fabia. On the Skoda, we just have to remove the BCM (Battery Control [software] Module) from the battery negative terminal and tuck it away neatly. That defeats the start/stop function as well as allow the battery to fully charge and not be limited to 85% by the BCM. Nirvana!
Thank you for your comment Terry. I'm glad this solution worked for you.
I assume that Mazda CX5 does not have the BCM on the negative terminal? Is that correct?
@@ib2755 Maybe, but as I don't have any manual for the CX-5, I don't have the information to test.
done well Job...u have a good future
Worked beautiflly... Thank you!!
You are most welcome.
Good video 👍, it also works on a 2017 Mazda CX5 ("KF series") Maxx Sport AWD which i own. I have done almost the exact same thing before watching this (found it out through a forum) You dont actually need to fully unscrew micro switch & seperate it from the latch, i just loosened the screw & rotated the normally closed micro switch away from bonnet catch then retightened the screw fixing micro switch into its "new un-operatable & unswitched position" Hope that helps ..... Now with the Istop "permanently disabled" we should be able to install a "Standard & far cheaper Lead Acid Battery when existing Start/Stop battery which is quite expensive 💰💰needs replacing and save quite a few dollars in the process. 😊💰💰💰🤑
Thank you for your comment. Glad it worked on your model also. Yes, you are right, rotating the micro switch works just as well. Could not agree more about the Start/Stop batteries being quite $$$. Intend to get a normal Lead Acid Battery when my current one goes. Hopefully can get a few more years out of it. :)
Did it help with a normal lead battery?
MarstaJNZ , Im Going to change it next year (then original battery about 4 years old) however im wanting to change it before the original battery shits itself, then can keep original while i install & Use / test Regular PB battery incase theres an issue, (still have the option to swap it back) i watched the voltage while driving the alternator range is between 12.5 to 15V so i believe it should be ok 🧐😊
Is it possible to send an image how exactly you did it? For complete beginners, who has no idea about all this stuff :)?
Thanks for this. This damn istop has driven my wife nuts on her Mazda. Umpteen issues with it (causes her to eat through batteries)and now Mazda want a fortune to replace the alternator even though all it is, is an istop issue that she wants permanently turned off anyway.
Do you have a solution for the 2024 cx5.
It's the same solution on the Mazda 2
Notwithstanding the above and the video itself, I have found that when you come to light and stop situations, dont push the brake pedal too hard as that initiates the engine shut--down. Just be gentle with the foot pressure and the engine will keep running.
Thank you
Own 17 plate Mazda CX3 - Purchased the car with only 2000 mile on the clock and the i-stop never really worked. Only in the summer when the battery was fully charged would the battery Icon in the eco panel light up and the i stop work, so considered it a total waste of time and it didn't save enough fuel to warrant getting it sorted. Recent frosts and not starting it to keep it charged resulted in a flat battery, when jump started, all was fine except the I-stop light was flashing continuosly orange and the switch to turn it off had no effect. I did what the video above suggested and removed the switch under the bonnet. Didn't bother putting it in a bag or anything, all I did was push it to one side out of the way as it was always exposeed to the elements. I initially replaced the securing screw, should I ever need it again, but found that with the screw screwed right in the bonnet wouldn't close because the screw protruded too far in preventing the safety catch of the bonnet release from withdrawing to allow the bonnet catch to locate into its locking mechanism. But, I have no orange lights and all appears to be working well.
One thing to bear in mind is that the distance between the screwhead and the bulkhead is only about an inch preventing any srewdriver from locating in the screw squarely so I used a screwdriver bit (with a bit of cotton tied to it so that if I dropped it I could easily recover it) and a pair of grips.
Hope this helps
Thanks for your comment Alan. I'm glad the video helped in sorting your situation out. Happy travelling.
Thanks
Can I ask . After do that the istop indicator will not pop up on the dashboard?
This looks like a good solution. I just hope this doesn't change anything else such as airbags working ect as the car thinks its in a service mode state 😕
I guess there is no way of knowing for sure
Good point Gary. I wish I knew the answer to your concern. Being just a user, I do not have the in-depth knowledge. Please do let me know if you find out more.
Maybe someone at the Mazda service will know this. I really need to know the answer before doing this modification!... My wife's life is a bit more important than not having to push a button every time.
@@stanislavdimitrov8800 well, I ended up doing it several months back and had no issues at all. I figured, a switch wouldn't be enough to disable the airbag as it could become defective at any time, and would be damaged first in a crash as its at the front of the vehicle. So should be safe
@@leopold9999 thanks but I don't think this reasoning is solid enough grounds to make the potentially dangerous modification myself. I'll try to get more info on it.
The switch getting destroyed in a crash doesn't mean that the computer will immediately react and disable the airbags in an instant.
By doing this, can we use regular battery? I was told that mazda uses a special battery for cars that have the istop function.
While I'm not an car electrician I would say that yes, you can use a "normal" non start/stop battery. I'm still using a start/stop battery myself as I had purchased it before I disabled this function. But when the time comes to replace, I'll certainly buy a normal battery. I would still stick with the prescribed type (voltage, CCA, ah) but without the start/stop capability. They are considerably cheaper which is always nice.
If you do end up buying a normal battery, please do let me know how if you notice any difference in starting functionality / capacity.
Followed above instructions but the orange warning light still keeps flashing on the dash...
Does the alarm still work after? Or will the turn signals still light up when locking/unlocking?
I do not have an alarm on my car, so I cannot confirm. But the immobilizer works just fine. yes, the turn signals still light up when locking/unlocking.
They have improved this a lot in the CX-5 2022 model. In order to activate istoo you have to press the break pedal much lower. If you just keep the car stopped normally the istop does not activate
Thank you for your comment. I'm glad to hear the ISTOP functionality has been improved in their new models.
I have a brand new cx5, it's rubbish the istop
Does the wire needs to be connected back everytime the car need servicing?
No. By applying this solution, the sensor is already in a "disconnect" position, disabling the iStop function. This is exactly what the mechanic wants to perform the service. As such, you do not need to connect the sensor back. You may want to let you mechanic know that you have disconnected the sensor, so they are aware and don't connect it back for you.
Will this solution light up any lights on the dashboard, that the i-switch functionality is disabled during the driving, similar to pressing the iswitch button on the dashboard?
No, this solution does not result in any dashboard lights being light up.
Hey i believe on 2018 models & newer i have heard there is an audible warning, similar to car door been left open when Bonnet is up (or bonnet switch is in open position) I have not tested this so if any one who has a 2018 or newer, please let us know, Thanks
@@oze-bikes4life663 I did it ar my 2018 CX-5. No Problems!
@@daze8823 thats awesome, im glad it worked out for your year model, thanks 😊👌👍
Mate did everything you said 3 times over but it’s still flashing amber and battery warning light is still on. My car is a 2016 model. Thanks for your reply
If your istop warning and battery warning light is on, it means you have an issue with your istop system/battery (could need a new battery soon). This solution only works if your istop is working fine, as it just tells istop not to work as the "hood is open". If your istop system has its own problem, this will not do anything for that warning light
Does it work on mazda 6 also
So I gave this a go, but the engine light does stay on and a warning light on the dash saying “engine inspection required”. Any ideas?
What year model is your Cx5? Nobody else has reported similar symptoms to yours. It is possible that newer models have other electronic systems in place. I'm sorry I cannot offer any solutions at this stage as I just have my car to test things on.
My 2016 model same symptom as yours, engine light came on, so i put it back instead
Tried on 2020 Mazda2. i-stop not working anymore BUT NO FLASHING LIGHT WHEN LOCKING MY CAR.
I think this system affect security alarm because this method trick a car as always open a bonet.
Thank you for sharing your experience. It is possible that Mazda has changed their system with the newer models.
Tj
how could mazda just make this i-stop an option or make it memory that you can turn it off or disabled. just like the cruise control! i am really pissed off shitty feature! totally regret buying mazda!
I agree Camilo. The problem is that it is not only Mazda that does that, but most car manufacturers. What can we do, but find our ways to turn off.
This does nothing. I-stop still operates. Have I missed something?
Just done with my 2016 Mazda 3 , it's work perfectly, no fault code, thanks buddy 🫡
Don’t do it this got me a fault code that I have not been able to delete red exclamation warning and istop amber flashing, I did reset for is top reset the ecu etc… the code never got deleted, it disappeared for a day or two and then came back. 😡
CARRYING OUT THIS MOD WILL DISABLE THE SECURITY SYSTEM OF THE CAR BE WARNED,. NO FLASHER LIGHT ON LOCKING INDICATES THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN ACTIVATED.
Hate cars telling me what to do. If the off switch won’t stay off then I won’t be buying a Mazda. My search continues.
Does it affect the alarm of my car? I have also read in the comments section of anothers video, that it affected the flashing light (lights flashing when locking your car)
You know something about that?
On my 2014 model the flashing lights are still working when locking the car. I cannot comment on alarm functionality as my model is not fitted with an alarm.
It's not a sensor,its a switch.
Yes, that makes sense. Thank you for your comment Matthew.
Very dangerous to do this modification. It will also disable your airbags if you have a collision.
Think twice about this.
So how and why does this disable the airbags?
Hi Flatwhite. Thank you for your comment. Can you please share the source of this information? If I can verify the correctness of this information, I would probably reverse this modification as I certainly do not want to jeoperdise my safety and the safety of my passanger. Thank you.