[The MuffinMan]

man I wish I could afford one of these. My daughter has been in the hospital for 11 months now though and every dollar is accounted for. I must say I LOATH the start stop crap. It's almost gotten me in accidents to top it all off. If you stop quickly and then try to take off almost immediately you're stuck there like a deer in headlights. I've stopped and it not shut off before and then as soon as I want to go to turn left at a flashing red arrow the thing shuts off and i'm delayed going. Not enough of a delay to register in my head that the chance is gone but just enough to confuse you and you either have to slam on the gas or give up after moving slightly forward and almost in traffic. It's terrible. I wish there was a cheap alternative to get rid of it.

 

[Badbee]

Any long term updates regarding the modules reliablity and if it has affected any other function on the vehicle, throwing codes, etc. The web site advises to remove the module if you take you car in for service. Anyone have feedback from a dealer regarding the device? Thanks in advance.

 

[MikeNH]

Any long term updates regarding the modules reliablity and if it has affected any other function on the vehicle, throwing codes, etc. The web site advises to remove the module if you take you car in for service. Anyone have feedback from a dealer regarding the device? Thanks in advance.

No issues over the past couple months. Dealers will tell you aftermarket washer fluid will void the warranty so I'd never waste my time trying to explain this to them, most service advisors are clueless. Just pull it if you bring it in. I just had the oil changed and didn't but nothing was said.

 

[LordSnooze]

I solved this PROBLEM permanently. The electronic start stop performs various checks before engaging. One of them is checking whether the hood is open. I simply disconnected the sensor. Please add comments to the video if it worked for ya.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmQ-iRL4sLQ

 

[ESSRTEE8]

When will you have a unit compatible with 2018 3.6?

 

[Stevm65]

From what I hear from the source, a prototype for 2018's is being tested in November.

 

[cranbiz]

Disconnecting the hood switch also disables remote start.

Better options are either living with the Govt mandated "feature" (mandated because FCA gets credit for it to help meet CAFE standards or spring for the smart stop/start module.

 

[Stevm65]

If I buy the 2018 that I'm looking at with the Hemi, I won't need the very slightly used module that I have. If anyone wants to buy it, send me a PM.

 

[ekaz]

Does anyone know what module this is set in? Is it in the PCM, BCM, other?

 

[firemedic10584]

We just bought a 2018 and already hate the start stop feature!

 

[firemedic10584]

Well I just went out and attempted to install the smartstop module. Just our luck, the altitude model is NOT compatible with the new module. Apparently all other versions of the 2018 grand Cherokee are though?? Very disappointed right now...

 

[BoomerM3]

Same experience, today. Nice vendor, but I'll be pushing the 'off' button for a while.

 

[whitexkr]

Let me summarize where things stand today with the 2018 Grand Cherokee SmartStopStart.

The current version, which should be on the www.smartstopstart.com in a few days has been shipping to waiting list customers since last week.

The 2018 SmartStopStart module plugs into an easily accessible connector under the driver's seat. Unfortunately 2018 Laredos and Altitudes do not have this connector so they are not supported. 2018 Limiteds, Overlands, Summits, Trailhawks and High Altitudes (not to be confused with just plain Altitudes) are fully supported.

A small number of 2018 Laredo and Altitude owners received units. They are being fully refunded with my sincere apologies for the confusion. I will be looking at an alternate solution for these models in the coming weeks.

The SmartStopStart is still fully supported on ALL 2016 and 2017 variants.

 

[gregski777]

Stevm65 - if you spring for the new hemi and decide to part with your module let me know. As a new member I could not send you a PM.

 

[firemedic10584]

To update on this - there is a simple, FREE solution for the time being. The smartstop module did not work for me since I have a '18 altitude. So, I read where some guys just unplugged their hood sensor. I did that today and guess what?? Worked perfectly! Everything still works just like it should including remote start (some guys said it wouldn't) and the only indicator on the dash is the little "A" with an exclamation point. But, the start/stop is disabled for now without having to hit the button every time. So, it's a free fix and so far I have not found any issues being caused by it.

 

[whitexkr]

Turns out there are two hood open sensors (one at the latch and one about halfway up the driver's side under the hood that you are disabling), which has been the source of confusion as to which one actually disables the remote start (it is the latch sensor).

What is not known by me or the the general public at this time is what effect this might have on safety systems (airbags, seat belt tensioners) and security systems, since the systems in the vehicle will think the hood is open.

If you regularly ride in heavy stop and go traffic, it also does not let you turn the ESS back on when it might be advantageous in terms of fuel mileage.

Also when you bring your car for dealer service they will invariably 'repair' this fault every time.

 

[agjr85]

Very interesting. Looks like $130 might have to come out of my wallet.

 

[O-summit]

Here is a link to a post I made, that may resolve this issue for some

http://jeepgarage.org/f156/solution-to-disable-auto-start-stop-185234.html

 

[xinshang]

A free approach to permanent disable auto start/start feature is unplug the sensor at the small aux battery underneath the passenger seat. This sensor is to monitor the current output. It will not cause any issue. There are two batteries underneath the passenger seat. The small one has a sensor connected. unplug and leave it. There is no code.

 

[whitexkr]

A free approach to permanent disable auto start/start feature is unplug the sensor at the small aux battery underneath the passenger seat. This sensor is to monitor the current output. It will not cause any issue. There are two batteries underneath the passenger seat. The small one has a sensor connected. unplug and leave it. There is no code.

Yes this does work.

It however lights the amber ESS fault warning on the dashboard. Unplugging this aux battery connector also sets two fault codes that can be read by the dealer's diagnostic scan tool. These are manufacturer proprietary fault codes that do not appear on generic OBDII scan tools.