Looking for Mazda i-Stop Eliminator

[Yo'sDad]

Sorry, but that's not how it works (at least on my CX-50, and I've no reason to think the CX-5 is different). The buttons are just inputs to a microcontroller, which sends commands via a serial interface to the BCM/ECM. The istop 'dongle' actually connects between the switch unit and BCM/ECM and sends the serial commands itself.

It might be possible to solder wires across the switch on the PCB and exit them from the unit, but the switches are surface mount and the contacts very barely exposed.

For more detail on my CX-50's switch/PCB/unit, see:

DIY Thread 'CX-50 i-stop Disable Module Installation How-To'

Jan 19, 2025

As requested, repeating my iStop-disable module installation how-to here...

Many people (me for one) do not like the Mazda iStop function, both because the continual stop/start annoys me, and because I don't like the extra wear it places on the engine. It also annoys me that I need an expensive special battery because of this, all for a fractional increase in fuel mileage. Not worth it.

SO, I first investigated adding some way of disabling this myself, whereupon I came across pre-built, plug and play units to do it for me. The first one I found that specifically stated it was for the...

• RedBaron
• Replies: 1
• Forum: CX-50 Accessories & Utility

• 
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Thanks, so you are telling me that when you push the istop button it sends a code to one of the controllers and is not just a simple closing of a circuit? Wow, why is it necessary to design something so complicated for such a simple task? So happy I don't have such a model. I suppose someone could attach a solenoid mounted to the button that automatically pushed the button each time you started the car, haha.... just kidding, but it would work. Or move the button to under the dash and have a rod activate the button each time you pushed the brake pedal down, as in when you start the car... now I'm getting out of control... need another beer, haha.

 

[N7turbo]

Just consider it an item on your pre-flight checklist. It's not that much trouble.

 

[RedBaron]

Thanks, so you are telling me that when you push the istop button it sends a code to one of the controllers and is not just a simple closing of a circuit? Wow, why is it necessary to design something so complicated for such a simple task?

Yes, correct. Because it allows them to use just 4 wires (power/ground/sig+/sig-) to support up to five buttons and two indicator LEDs, which would otherwise take at least 8 wires. So, wiring weight and space/complexity savings (I presume).

 

[quicksand]

Yes, correct. Because it allows them to use just 4 wires (power/ground/sig+/sig-) to support up to five buttons and two indicator LEDs, which would otherwise take at least 8 wires. So, wiring weight and space/complexity savings (I presume).

Tempted to try the i-stop for the cx-50 on my cx-5. So much misinformation and no real answers to disabling this on the newer 24-25 cx-5s.

My guess is someone would be selling it if it existed. Aka euro premium parts or mikstore.

 

[ceric]

Got a '25 Premium Plus w/ iStop. Hated it first.
Then, I learned that when you press the brake gently enough, the iStop does not engage. After doing that, it does not bother me anymore.

I am sure most of you knew this already. Just saying.

 

[quicksand]

Got a '25 Premium Plus w/ iStop. Hated it first.
Then, I learned that when you press the brake gently enough, the iStop does not engage. After doing that, it does not bother me anymore.

I am sure most of you knew this already. Just saying.

Good to note. I agree this works 90% of the time. On my daily there are a few declined stops and it always triggers there. Just annoying overall. The AC trick I have read about doesn't seem to work for me at least. 25ce.