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...

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

I often goto lunch with my workmates. Every time it was my turn to drive, I would forget to hit the button. The engine stopped at a light, they had a chuckle.

After trying various tricks that I read about on the internet, I gave up and bought the ODB plug so the start/stop nonsense is no longer.

 

Zauto Tazer disables it, along with a bunch of other features to include being able to put it in RWD from AWD.

 

The Taser is a great product. If you need and want the features of the Taser it may be worth the money. If you just want to override ESS, SmartStopStart is a proven solution that is far less expensive.

 

thank you for this...about to place an order (2019 JGC Limited X)

 

Guys, sensors/harnesses aside, the EASIEST solution is to simply go under hood, remove the black plastic thing (shaped like an L) on the driver’s side that contacts the plunger when the hood is closed. It is removable with a push-pin puller (or flat head/knife/etc). Time to remove and reinstall is less than 5 seconds. Remote start still works.

just put it in your glove box and reinstall before bringing your Jeep in for service or do you like I did and tell your service tech to put a note in your file not to mess with the stupid stop start thing.

 

Hi everyone,
I tried this on my 2018 Altitude and it does indeed work, remote start stills works....BUT, be aware you will end-up with a yellow A! idiot light near the bottom left of your dash screen... If that matters to you.
Earlier posts had indicated remote start would be disabled so I never tried this, Thanks blaster9.

 

Happy to help!

 

I just disconnected the battery sence wire on the small batt and it works great, the only side note is you will get one chime when starting and the Service auto stop light will stay on but it is not an issue.

 

I've strongly professed my displease about the Auto Start/Stop to Jeep and they have been giving me cookie cutter answers. "The Auto Start/Stop feature can be disabled by pressing the Auto Start/Stop disable button when the vehicle is running".

I absolutely hate this feature because of the many issues I've had with it while driving. The system seems hap-hazzard and runs like it was programmed last minute.

Has anyone found a way to permanently disable it yet? I know the computer checks the disable switch when it first turns on, so I cannot hardwire it to be closed at all times. I am thinking about adding a timed relay in line with the button contacts that will automatically turn the switch high after a delay when the vehicle starts up.

I am willing to bet that the switch is on the can-bus system so it may be harder than I hope to override.

YES and it is EASY and Free. Watch this video to disable permanently.