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How to Disable Auto Start/Stop — Next-Gen Ford Ranger & VW Amarok

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How to Disable Auto Start/Stop (2023+ VW Amarok & Next-Gen Ford Ranger)

If you’re over the engine cutting out at lights, this guide shows the module configuration changes used to disable the
Auto Start/Stop function on the 2023+ VW Amarok and 2023+ Ford Ranger (Next-Gen).

Important (read this first)

  • This procedure writes changes to multiple modules. If you get it wrong, you can trigger faults or module issues.
  • Use stable voltage support (battery charger/maintainer). Low voltage is how modules get corrupted.
  • If you’re not confident, book in and we’ll handle it properly.

Software & tools you need (use the correct one)

  • Software: FORScan — https://forscan.org/home.html
  • Ford Ranger (2023+): vLinker Cable (FORScan compatible)
  • VW Amarok (2023+): OBDLink LX Bluetooth 3.0 OBD2 Adapter (Android only)
  • Must-have: battery charger/maintainer during programming

Step-by-step (1, 2, 3)

  1. Connect, scan, and confirm modules are available

    Plug in the correct adapter for your vehicle, turn ignition ON (engine OFF), connect in FORScan, and let it build the vehicle profile.
    Before changing anything, confirm the required modules appear in the list.

    FORScan module list showing available control modules after scanning the vehicle (Amarok/Ranger platform).
    Figure 1: Confirm all modules load before changing anything.
  2. Disable Start/Stop in BdyCM (Body Control Module)

    These are the key changes that disable Start/Stop logic and adjust battery strategy.

    1. Select BdyCM and enter configuration.
    2. Set BMW/Start Stop to Disable.
    3. Change BMW Config to PWM.
    4. Change Battery Target to 95%.
    5. Write changes and confirm.
    BdyCM (Body Control Module) selected in FORScan to access Start/Stop-related settings.
    Figure 2: Open BdyCM to access Start/Stop-related settings.
    BdyCM configuration showing BMW/Start Stop set to Disabled.
    Figure 3: Set BMW/Start Stop to Disabled.
    BdyCM configuration showing BMW Config changed to PWM.
    Figure 4: Change BMW Config to PWM.
    BdyCM configuration showing Battery Target increased to 95 percent.
    Figure 5: Increase Battery Target to 95%.
    FORScan write confirmation window showing pending BdyCM configuration changes before applying.
    Figure 6: Confirm the changes, then write to BdyCM.
  3. Disable Start/Stop strategy in HVAC

    This step disables Start/Stop strategy inside the HVAC module so the system doesn’t try to influence Start/Stop behaviour.

    1. Open HVAC configuration.
    2. Set Start Stop Strategy to Disabled.
    3. Write changes and confirm.
    HVAC module configuration showing Start Stop Strategy changed to Disabled.
    Figure 7: Disable Start/Stop strategy in the HVAC module.
    FORScan confirmation/write prompt for HVAC Start Stop Strategy change.
    Figure 8: Confirm and write HVAC changes.

Optional cleanup (recommended)

Some vehicles will still show Start/Stop options or prompts in the cluster or infotainment even after it’s disabled.
These steps clean that up.

IPC (Instrument Cluster)

  1. Open IPC configuration.
  2. Set Auto Start Stop Enable to Disable.
  3. Write the change.
IPC (instrument cluster) configuration showing Auto Start Stop Enable set to Disabled.
Figure 9: Disable Start/Stop prompts/indicator in the instrument cluster (IPC).

APIM (Infotainment / SYNC)

  1. Open APIM configuration.
  2. Set Start Stop Option Enable to Disable.
  3. Write the change.
APIM (infotainment) configuration showing Start Stop Option Enable set to Disabled.
Figure 10: Remove the Start/Stop option from infotainment (APIM), if present.

Final check

  • Cycle ignition OFF → wait 30–60 seconds → ignition ON.
  • Start the vehicle and confirm Start/Stop no longer activates.
  • If you have warnings, stop and restore original values.
Final confirmation screen after Start/Stop-related module changes have been applied.
Figure 11: Example final confirmation after changes.

Want us to do it for you?

If you’d rather not touch module coding, book in with SC Diesel Tuning. We’ll disable Start/Stop properly with voltage support,
confirm module writes, and check for faults.

Sunshine Coast Diesel Tuning
6/3 Commerce Ave, Warana QLD
Call: 0423 108 474

Want help with your exact setup?

Send your rego + mods + what you’re trying to achieve and we’ll point you in the right direction.

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