These instructions apply to the Genesis GV70 (JK1) 2020-2024.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Genesis GV70 (JK1, 2020–present) uses an Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system that shuts the engine off at a standstill to save fuel. If you’d rather keep it running — in traffic, when manoeuvring, or before working under the bonnet — you can switch it off with the dash button. On this luxury SUV the stop is smooth and completely normal; the engine pauses while you wait and restarts the moment you release the brake. It is not a fault, but some owners prefer to disable it in heavy traffic or when parking, and the GV70 makes that a single press.
How ISG Works on the GV70
ISG only cuts the engine when a set of conditions are all met: the 12 V battery must be well charged, the engine needs to be warm, the cabin climate demand has to be satisfied, and the car must be fully stopped with the brake held. If any of those is missing — a cold engine on the first drive, the heating or air conditioning working hard, or a battery drained by short journeys — the engine keeps running instead. That is ISG protecting your comfort and battery, not a malfunction. When you switch the system off, a warning light comes on to show it is disabled.
Before You Start
- Have the engine running; you can turn ISG on or off at any point during a drive.
- The change applies to the current trip only, so there is nothing to save.
- Before opening the bonnet, switch ISG off so the engine cannot auto-restart.
- Watch for the ISG indicator to confirm the system has actually changed state.
Turning Start/Stop Off
- Press the Auto Stop / ISG button on the dashboard.
- The warning light comes on to show the system is switched off.
It Resets Every Time You Start
The ISG system re-enables automatically each time you start the engine. There’s no permanent off setting — press the button again after each start if you want it disabled.
If the System Won’t Stop the Engine Anyway
Even when active, the engine won’t cut unless conditions are met. If ISG never stops the engine at a halt, run through these before assuming a fault:
- The 12 V battery is low — short trips leave it under-charged; a longer drive or a proper charge usually restores normal stopping.
- The engine is not warm yet — from a cold start ISG waits until the coolant reaches temperature before it will arm.
- Climate demand is high — strong heating or air conditioning, or a demisting screen, holds the engine on to keep the cabin at temperature.
- The car is not fully stopped, or the brake is not pressed firmly enough to trigger the cut.
- Very cold or very hot weather can suspend the stop to protect the battery and your comfort.
- An ageing battery that no longer holds charge will keep ISG from arming even after a long run — a battery test is worthwhile.
What to Expect After
With ISG switched off, the engine idles normally at every stop for the rest of the drive. Turning it off stores no fault codes and makes no permanent change; the system simply returns to its default enabled state the next time you start the engine. If you prefer to drive without it, press the button again after each start. Leaving ISG enabled is perfectly safe and quietly trims fuel use in town driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn off Start/Stop on a Genesis GV70?
Press the Auto Stop / ISG button on the dashboard once. On this model the warning light comes on to confirm the system is off for the current drive. Before any engine-bay work, switching it off this way stops the engine auto-restarting while you are working under the bonnet.
Does it stay off permanently?
No — it re-enables every time you start the engine. The GV70 has no permanent off setting, so if you prefer to drive without ISG you need to press the button again after each start. This is normal behaviour and cannot be changed through a settings menu on this model.
Why doesn’t the engine stop at lights?
Usually the battery isn’t charged enough or the engine isn’t warm yet. Heavy heating or air-conditioning demand can also keep the engine running until the cabin reaches temperature. Once those conditions are satisfied, ISG will start stopping the engine at a standstill again on its own.
Is ISG bad for the engine or starter?
No. The GV70’s starter and battery are designed for the extra cycles ISG creates, so everyday use causes no unusual wear. The system simply cuts idling time to save fuel and reduce emissions. If the restarts feel intrusive you can switch it off, but there is no mechanical downside to leaving it on.
Should I disable it for engine work?
Yes — switch it off so the engine can’t auto-restart. With ISG active the engine could fire up while your hands are near the cooling fan, belts or other moving parts, so pressing the button off before you lift the bonnet is an important safety step.
Could the warning light mean ISG has failed?
On this model the ISG light coming on simply confirms the system is switched off, which is normal. If a separate amber fault symbol stays lit, or restarts feel rough, have the 12 V battery and charging system checked first, as a tired battery is the most common reason ISG stops working.
If a Start/Stop fault light stays on, look up the code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Genesis. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.