Ford Dealer Says, “The Ford F-150 Auto Stop-Start Is Killing Your Engine,” Then He Reveals Why and Shows You How To Disable It

Does the Ford F-150's Auto Stop/Start engine technology annoy you?

If the Ford F-150's Auto Stop/Start engine technology gets under your skin, you're not alone. It's a universally disliked feature, a common annoyance shared by car and truck owners of all makes and models.

It's the technology that stops your vehicle's engine when it's at a stoplight or if the engine is idling for an extended period with your foot on the brake. 

It's supposed to save gas, but it doesn't save enough to make it worthwhile for many car and truck owners. 

Jon Galland, the dealer principal and owner of White Face Ford, shares how to turn it off on a Ford F-150 pickup in his TikTok video clip. It must have struck a nerve with his viewers, as he has garnered over 8 million views to date. 

Before we hear from Jon, imagine a Ford dealership owner telling you that the new truck he's going to sell you has some issues that you should be aware of after you've bought it. 

Surprising and refreshing.

There are a few things the Ford dealership owner, Jon Galland, wants you to know. He says there is a feature on his F-150 trucks that is killing the pickup's engine. 

Thanks for being honest, Jon.  

He's not mincing words. Jon says Auto Stop/Start is not just an annoyance; it's a threat to your engine.

He says, "Auto Stop/Start is killing your engine."

If you want to save your battery, save your cam phaser, and save that starter underneath, let me show you a quick little tip.

Most gas engine vehicles manufactured since around 2015 probably have Auto Stop/Start, and their manufacturers use it to try to comply with fuel efficiency standards.

Almost all cars I know of that have this feature also have an off button. When your engine is auto-stop-starting, it's hard on the battery because instead of starting your vehicle once per drive, it may do so 15 times as you drive in the city. 

Therefore, it will put a strain on your battery and starter, and most importantly, your engine will lose oil pressure every time it shuts off.

What happens is that when your engine shuts off, the cam phaser loses the oil pressure it needs to work correctly. As a result, the lockout pin, designed to prevent the cam phaser from engaging during engine startup, fails to move and becomes damaged over time, resulting in a rattling sound.

If you turn off this feature every time you drive, you will save your battery, your starter, and your cam phaser.

On the Ford F-150, there's a small button with an 'A' inside a half-circle and an arrow that reads 'OFF.' 

If you press this button every time you start your truck, it'll give you the OFF indicator light, and you'll know it's off.

Unfortunately, the Auto Stop/Start system resets itself every time you cycle the ignition switch or button.   

However, what happens when you select that button? Your engine will no longer stop and then restart every time you come to a stop light. 

If you are like me, you might be wondering what a cam phaser is. 

Ford says, "A cam phaser on a Ford F-150 is a component of the variable valve timing (VVT) system. It adjusts the timing of the camshafts, optimizing engine performance, fuel efficiency, and reducing emissions." 

"Cam phasers are crucial for adapting to different driving conditions, such as acceleration or towing, by dynamically adjusting valve timing."

JustAnswer says, "The Ford F150 often faces cam phaser failure and timing chain tensioner wear, causing startup rattles."

"The cam phaser controls variable valve timing; failure causes a rattling noise at startup. This is often linked to worn timing chain tensioners or guides, which can also produce similar sounds. Inspect the cam phasers for excessive play and check timing chain tensioners for proper tension." 

"Replacing faulty phasers and worn tensioners resolves the rattle and prevents engine damage. Regular oil changes with correct viscosity help maintain phaser function and timing chain health."

However, Not Everyone Agrees that the Auto Stop/Start Feature will "Kill" Your Engine. 

RAC reassures us, "Auto stop/start systems are designed with robust components, like stronger starters, to handle the increased cycling. The system won't engage until the engine is warmed up, reducing wear on a cold engine."

BestRide says, "While auto stop/start technology can put some additional strain on certain components like the starter and battery, modern systems are designed to handle the increased workload and shouldn't cause significant engine damage, according to automotive experts." 

"The system is designed to engage only when the engine is at operating temperature and the oil is properly distributed, minimizing wear during restarts."

Battery and Starter:

The battery and starter motor in vehicles with auto start/stop are designed to withstand the additional stress. While they may need to be replaced more frequently, this is factored into the design, and the increased cost is often offset by fuel savings, according to CJ Pony Parts. 

Fuel Savings:

The primary benefit of auto stop/start is fuel efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic. While the savings may not be dramatic, they can add up over time and contribute to lower emissions, notes Consumer Reports. 

In The End

It's easy. If you dislike the Auto Stop/Start technology on your Ford F-150 or other vehicle and are concerned that it may harm your engine's battery and starter, consider turning it off. Most automakers have a button or a way to turn the system off in the vehicle's touchscreen menu. Consult your owner's manual to find out how. 

How About You?

Do you disdain the auto stop/start technology in your Ford F-150 or another vehicle? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know. Do you turn it off? We'd love to hear about your experiences and opinions on this topic. 

Check out my Ford F-150 story: I Haven’t Even Had My $40K 2025 Ford F-150 Ten Days, and I Already Have a Serious Issue, a Defect That Has Me Shaking My Head

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Jon Galland