These instructions apply to the DS 4 Mk1 (B75) 2011-2018.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The automatic stop/start on your DS 4 (2011–2018) cuts the engine at junctions to save fuel. If you’d rather keep it running — in heavy traffic, or before working on the engine — you can switch it off with a single button. It’s a normal comfort and economy feature, not a fault, and the car hands the choice back to you every time you drive.
How Stop/Start Works on the DS 4
As you slow to a halt with the car in neutral and your foot off the clutch, the engine cuts to save fuel; pressing the clutch again restarts it in an instant. A battery-monitoring sensor keeps an eye on the 12 V state of charge, while other inputs track engine temperature and cabin climate demand. If the battery is low, the cabin still needs heating or cooling, or the engine hasn’t warmed up, the DS 4 keeps running instead. All of that is deliberate — the system only stops the engine when doing so won’t leave you short of power or comfort.
Before You Start
- You can press the button with the ignition on or the engine running — no special preparation is needed.
- To keep the engine on for a repair, switch stop/start off first, then work as usual.
- The setting isn’t stored: it returns to ON at the next engine start.
- If the light is on before you touch anything, the system has likely disabled itself for one of the reasons below rather than because you switched it off.
Turning Stop/Start Off
- Find the stop/start button — the ‘ECO OFF’ / ‘A’ button, usually on the centre console or dash.
- Press the button once.
- The warning light illuminates to confirm the system is off — the engine now idles normally at a stop.
Turning It Back On
Press the button again, or restart the car — stop/start defaults to ON every time you start the engine, so press the button each drive if you want it off.
Why It Sometimes Keeps the Engine Running
Even with stop/start active, the DS 4 holds the engine on when conditions aren’t met, for example:
- The 12 V battery charge is low, or the battery sensor isn’t satisfied.
- The cabin is still heating or cooling to the set temperature.
- The engine is still cold.
- You haven’t selected neutral, or the car hasn’t fully stopped.
- The car is on a steep gradient or the demister is working hard.
If Stop/Start Won’t Work or Won’t Stay Set
- A weak or ageing battery is the most common cause — the system disables itself to protect it.
- After a battery change, fit the correct type and let it learn over a few drives before expecting normal cut-outs.
- A recent battery disconnect can suspend the feature until the car has relearned the state of charge.
- Cold weather and short trips leave the battery low, so stop/start may stay dormant until it recovers.
- Strong heating, air-con or demister demand keeps the engine running to hold cabin comfort.
- A stored fault can disable it — look up the code on autodtcs.com.
What to Expect After
Once you press the button, the warning light stays on for the rest of that drive and the engine idles normally at every stop. Switch the ignition off and back on and stop/start returns to its default ON state, so you press the button again if you want it off. Nothing needs resetting and no workshop visit is involved — it’s purely a per-journey preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn off stop/start on a DS 4?
Press the ‘ECO OFF’ / ‘A’ button on the centre console or dash. The warning light comes on to confirm the system is off, and the engine then idles normally rather than cutting out at junctions. Press the same button again whenever you want the fuel-saving function back on for the rest of that drive.
Can I disable it permanently?
Not from the button alone — the DS 4 resets stop/start to ON every time you start the engine, so the ‘off’ choice doesn’t carry over. The easy habit is to press the button once each time you set off if you prefer a steady idle while stationary.
Why does the engine keep running with stop/start on?
The system only cuts the engine when it’s safe and efficient. If the 12 V battery is low, the cabin is still heating or cooling, the engine is cold, you’re on a slope, or the car isn’t fully in neutral, the DS 4 keeps idling. That’s normal, protective behaviour rather than a fault with the car.
Why won’t stop/start work at all?
The usual reason is a weak or ageing 12 V battery, which the DS 4 protects by disabling the feature. A lot of short trips, a recent battery disconnect, or a cold spell can all leave the charge too low. Once the battery recovers, or is renewed with the correct type, the function normally returns on its own.
Do I need a special battery for stop/start?
Yes — stop/start models use an enhanced battery built for frequent cycling. Fitting an ordinary battery, or one of the wrong specification, can stop the system working and shorten battery life. After any replacement, give the car a few drives so the sensor can relearn the state of charge before expecting normal engine cut-outs.
Does turning stop/start off use more fuel?
Slightly, because the engine keeps idling while you’re stationary instead of switching off. Over a long queue that adds up, which is why the feature exists. Switching it off does no harm to the engine, though, so it’s a fair trade if you prefer a smoother, quieter idle in stop-start traffic.
If a warning light came on with the fault, decode it on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with DS. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.