HOW TO: Disable auto idle stop on RTL-E/Touring/Black Edition and always use 400 watt mode

zroger73 · Aug 5, 2022

For those who don't like auto idle stop, you can either press the auto idle stop off button every time the vehicle is started or buy a device that presses the button for you after each start. Either way, an amber warning indicator will remain illuminated in the instrument cluster when auto idle stop is off.

Turning on the AC outlet in the RTL-E, Canadian Touring, and Black Edition trims disables the auto idle stop feature with no warning light - there's only a temporary message that tells you that auto idle stop feature is disabled because the AC outlet is on, but you must press the button each time the vehicle is started.

@Meyergsr pointed out in this post that if you keep the AC outlet button pressed in (he used a toothpick), the AC outlet will turn on automatically each time the vehicle is started. I verified that the AC outlet does indeed turn on automatically when the button is held down and the outlet will automatically switch between 400 and 150 watt modes (400 watts mode is selected when the engine is running and the transmission is in park).

If you don't want to jam a toothpick in your AC outlet button, you can connect the tan wire on pin 4 of the switch to the blue wire on pin 5.

If you want the AC outlet to remain in 400 watt mode when the vehicle is in on or accessory modes even if the engine isn't running and/or the transmission isn't in park, you can remove the black wire connected to pin 40 of the MICU (Multiplex Integrated Control Unit - aka Under-Dash Fuse/Relay Box) and connect it to ground.

(Image showing the the black #40 NSW wire in a 2021 RTL-E courtesy of @GOAT)

It does not appear that there are any negatives to these modifications beyond a slight fuel economy decrease. The idle current of the AC inverter is negligible. The net result is that the AC outlet should always operate in 400 watt mode when the vehicle is in on or accessory modes and auto idle stop will stop working with no warning light as the intended side effect.

Farther · Aug 5, 2022

zroger73 said:
...you can connect the tan wire on pin 4 of the switch connected to the blue wire on pin 5.

I am pretty sure you will be nominated for sainthood by those who demonize the idle-stop feature. Of course, you are discriminating against those with idle-stop and who don't have the E or BE trim level.

Looking forward to all the complaints by people whose toothpick keeps falling out.

dbbd1 · Aug 6, 2022

Farther said:
Of course, you are discriminating against those with idle-stop and who don't have the E or BE trim level.

Like me (sport)

I don't like the other options (foot pressure, s-mode) so I keep hitting the switch. I'm still looking for other options...

fdeno · Aug 6, 2022

I don't understand why people won't spend $85 and get the Autostop Eliminator from the Ridgeline Store; its a 10 minute install and "flips" the default Autostop setting. With this device its permanently OFF each time you start the car but you can push the button and re-engage it should you choose to do so. No braking or A/C tricks required no sticking toothpicks into buttons, etc...

HistorianX · Aug 7, 2022

fdeno said:
I don't understand why people won't spend $85 and get the Autostop Eliminator from the Ridgeline Store; its a 10 minute install and "flips" the default Autostop setting.

Well, because I drive in S mode all the time with no amber light to nag me that it's off, I don't need it

dbbd1 · Aug 6, 2022

-more time than money
-long fingers
-personal preference
-lack of technical expertise
-lack of desire
-gives them something to do while the RL warms up

The list goes on. The fact is that people are different.

It still has the amber warning light issue though.

dbbd1 · Aug 6, 2022

dbbd1 said:
The fact is that people are different.

See above...

And, it's not OCD. Its OCG, because it's a gift.

spredvan · Aug 6, 2022

What is the big deal about having a continuously on amber auto stop indicator?

I've become somewhat obsessive compulsive in my latter years, and I don't even notice it anymore. It blends and balances well with the green LKAS/ACC indicators (which bothers me more because the font size is different, and they are not centered with each other). 😩

Wait a minute...
Did I just contradict myself and negate my original argument? 🤔

zroger73 · Aug 6, 2022

I don't like amber warning lights because: A) they're distracting - they make me think something is wrong, B) they're embarrassing - I don't want other people to see amber warning lights on my dash because they might think the same thing I do when I see amber warning lights on - "that owner is neglecting their vehicle", and C) having an amber warning light on all the time tends to normalize amber warning lights which could cause me miss a more important warning.

Kevo · Aug 6, 2022

zroger73 said:
I don't like amber warning lights because: A) they're distracting - they make think something is wrong and B) it's embarrassing - I don't want other people to see amber warning lights on my dash because they might think the same thing I do when I see amber warning lights on: "That owner is neglecting their vehicle."

Funny how compelling an orange indicator is. I was on a trip with family recently and my dad noticed an orange light on and asked me what was wrong. I had to explain that my truck is trying to get me to replace my fob battery but I'm too cheap because it just keeps on working and it's not dead yet. I think it's been 3 months of that stupid low battery warning now, but I refuse to give in.

dbbd1 · Aug 6, 2022

Is that pic above just one long connector, without a green cap over the wires?

I was just checking to "if" I had that black wire.
Nope.

zroger73 · Aug 8, 2022

dbbd1 said:
Is that pic above just one long connector, without a green cap over the wires?

zroger73 said:

I'll have to verify with the service information when I get back to work on Monday.

Click to expand...

I edited the original post to add an image that shows which of the three long connectors that contains the black wire that signals the inverter that it's okay to use 400W mode. It's the one without the covers.

zroger73 · Aug 6, 2022

There's a black wire in the middle of that one, long connector without a cap on my '21's MICU. I'll have to verify with the service information when I get back to work on Monday. I have two other long connectors that have white caps over them so I can't see the wire colors. The service information is confusing - it describes more connectors than are physically illustrated in the diagrams. For example, there are 20, 8, and 16-pin connectors in that one long connector that have separate connector numbers, but they are not identified on the illustration.

longboat · Aug 7, 2022

zroger73 said:
For those who don't like auto idle stop, you can either press the auto idle stop off button every time the vehicle is started or buy a device that presses the button for you after each start. Either way, an amber warning indicator will remain illuminated in the instrument cluster when auto idle stop is off.

Turning on the AC outlet in the RTL-E, Canadian Touring, and Black Edition trims disables the auto idle stop feature with no warning light - there's only a temporary message that tells you that auto idle stop feature is disabled because the AC outlet is on, but you must press the button each time the vehicle is started.

@Meyergsr pointed out in this post that if you keep the AC outlet button pressed in (he used a toothpick), the AC outlet will turn on automatically each time the vehicle is started. I verified that the AC outlet does indeed turn on automatically when the button is held down and the outlet will automatically switch between 400 and 150 watt modes (400 watts mode is selected when the engine is running and the transmission is in park).

If you don't want to jam a toothpick in your AC outlet button, you can connect the tan wire on pin 4 of the switch to the blue wire on pin 5.

View attachment 428838

If you want the AC outlet to remain in 400 watt mode when the vehicle is in on or accessory modes even if the engine isn't running and/or the transmission isn't in park, you can remove the black wire connected to pin 40 of the MICU (Multiplex Integrated Control Unit - aka Under-Dash Fuse/Relay Box) and connect it to ground.

View attachment 428836

It does not appear that there are any negatives to these modifications beyond a slight fuel economy decrease. The idle current of the AC inverter is negligible. The net result is that the AC outlet will always operate in 400 watt mode when the vehicle is in on or accessory modes and auto idle stop will stop working with no warning light as the intended side effect.

I feel like this should be a sticky.

Carsmak · Aug 7, 2022

GOAT · Aug 8, 2022

zroger,
Found the connector and removed from fuse box. There appears to be 3 black wires and am not sure which one is terminated at pin 40 that needs to be removed and connected to ground. Your assistance is much appreciated!

zroger73 · Aug 8, 2022

It's small black wire near the center that the orange arrow is pointing to.

As a reminder, please note that this modification has NOT been verified so I wouldn't make any permanent changes such as cutting wires. I would advise removing the terminal from the connector and temporarily connecting it to ground and verifying that 400W mode is always available before making the modifications permanent.

fdeno said:
The circled "A" indicating the Auto Idle Stop is off is more of a notification than a warning; I havent flown fighter aircraft but was an avionics techician on F-14s for years.

Exactly! Amber is an inappropriate color choice for "auto idle stop off". It should be green, white, or blue - not amber or red since it's not indicating a fault or safety hazard.

fdeno · Aug 8, 2022

The circled "A" indicating the Auto Idle Stop is off is more of a notification than a warning; I havent flown fighter aircraft but was an avionics techician on F-14s for years.

GOAT · Aug 8, 2022

After several attempts to remove black wire from pin 40 am giving up for now. None of my terminal tools work to release connector and am thinking Honda may have a special terminal removal tool.

Bulitt · Nov 4, 2022

There is a special tool!

I installed McCruise cruise control on my Honda VFR motorcycle requiring several wires to be backed out of the plugs like that one going to the ECM. No simple task.

The makers of the cruise control sell a special tiny tool that slides in between the wire and the plug housing releasing a tiny clip allowing the wire to be freed. The sellers warned not to try it without the tool as it would be near impossible without damaging the plug and wire.

Word!

zroger73 · Aug 8, 2022

Yeah - that's where I've stopped for now, too. I'm fairly confident what needs to be done, but not how to do it in a reversible, non-destructive manner.

On an adjacent thought, I find it interesting that the Pilot's AC outlet can't be switched off and doesn't disable auto idle stop.

GOAT · Aug 8, 2022

That is interesting-
Curious if the Pilot also works in 400 watt mode when driving (not in park)

zroger73 · Aug 9, 2022

The Pilot doesn't have a 400W mode - only 150W.

GOAT · Aug 10, 2022

The idle stop has been resolved, I put a very small piece of velcro wedged beside switch to hold it down. Very easy to remove and back to factory.
Am more interested in always having 400 watt on while driving. I could use my electronic battery charger sitting on shelf in my shop to charge battery in my RV while driving. Charger pulls about 3 amps which is ideal for the 120v AC receptacle in the bed, and connected to RV battery while driving would be ideal. I could get a DC-DC charger but I would have to purchase parts when I already have everything needed for this project- if I can drive Ridgeline in 400 watt mode. Zroger has provided instructions to make this happen but to be honest am waiting for someone smarter than me to make the modification and verify it actually works.

markmm · Aug 10, 2022

like spredvan said:
"...the green LKAS/ACC indicators (which bothers me more because the font size is different, and they are not centered with each other). 😩"

ug, i know, right!!! i notice this every time! arg!

GOAT · Aug 11, 2022

No Sir- amber light is off, with AC switch held down idle stop disabled and no amber light.

dbbd1 · Aug 11, 2022

Yes, yes that's right. But frenchpotato was referring to the idlestopper, which just mimicks pushing the button.

Alans63 · Aug 11, 2022

zroger73 said:
For those who don't like auto idle stop, you can either press the auto idle stop off button every time the vehicle is started or buy a device that presses the button for you after each start. Either way, an amber warning indicator will remain illuminated in the instrument cluster when auto idle stop is off.

Turning on the AC outlet in the RTL-E, Canadian Touring, and Black Edition trims disables the auto idle stop feature with no warning light - there's only a temporary message that tells you that auto idle stop feature is disabled because the AC outlet is on, but you must press the button each time the vehicle is started.

@Meyergsr pointed out in this post that if you keep the AC outlet button pressed in (he used a toothpick), the AC outlet will turn on automatically each time the vehicle is started. I verified that the AC outlet does indeed turn on automatically when the button is held down and the outlet will automatically switch between 400 and 150 watt modes (400 watts mode is selected when the engine is running and the transmission is in park).

If you don't want to jam a toothpick in your AC outlet button, you can connect the tan wire on pin 4 of the switch to the blue wire on pin 5.

View attachment 428838

If you want the AC outlet to remain in 400 watt mode when the vehicle is in on or accessory modes even if the engine isn't running and/or the transmission isn't in park, you can remove the black wire connected to pin 40 of the MICU (Multiplex Integrated Control Unit - aka Under-Dash Fuse/Relay Box) and connect it to ground.

Note that this modification has not yet been verified, but would appear to work based on Honda's service information.

View attachment 428836
View attachment 428908
View attachment 428914
(Image showing the the black #40 NSW wire in a 2021 RTL-E courtesy of @GOAT)

It does not appear that there are any negatives to these modifications beyond a slight fuel economy decrease. The idle current of the AC inverter is negligible. The net result is that the AC outlet should always operate in 400 watt mode when the vehicle is in on or accessory modes and auto idle stop will stop working with no warning light as the intended side effect.

Isn't that the Samething as pressing the auto stop button

zroger73 · Aug 11, 2022

No. Pressing the auto idle stop off button (or using a device that does it for you) results in an amber warning light in the instrument cluster.

Turning on the AC outlet disables auto idle stop, but does not result in an amber warning light.

GOAT · Aug 15, 2022

Same here- need 400 watts with engine running and driving. Thankful you had the skills and ability to test and share your results.

cryptic1 · Nov 4, 2022

@zroger73 any chance this disables the mirror and back window defroster when using remote start? Been noticing that they do not come on by themselves which im pretty sure they did on my 2017. Heat and heated seats are coming on just not the mirrors and back window. Odd.

zroger73 · Nov 4, 2022

There's no obvious relationship between the two. Do the rear defogger and side mirror heaters activate when you turn them on manually?

cryptic1 · Nov 4, 2022

Yes they work fine when i turn them on. I thought maybe there was logic built in around amperage draw? I may try the idlestopper again and see if its the same behavior.

jh26 · Jan 9, 2023

Does anyone have a photo of this connector, and may some access instructions for it? Do I just need to stick in a jumper between those two pins with no need to remove anything from the harness?

zroger73 said:
If you don't want to jam a toothpick in your AC outlet button, you can connect the tan wire on pin 4 of the switch to the blue wire on pin 5.

View attachment 428838

TexasTruck · Jan 14, 2023

Is there any detriment at all to ‘toothpicking’ the AC outlet button?

WilcoJunoHotel · Feb 1, 2023

zroger73 said:
Turning on the AC outlet in the RTL-E, Canadian Touring, and Black Edition trims disables the auto idle stop feature with no warning light - there's only a temporary message that tells you that auto idle stop feature is disabled because the AC outlet is on, but you must press the button each time the vehicle is started.

@Meyergsr pointed out in this post that if you keep the AC outlet button pressed in (he used a toothpick), the AC outlet will turn on automatically each time the vehicle is started. I verified that the AC outlet does indeed turn on automatically when the button is held down and the outlet will automatically switch between 400 and 150 watt modes (400 watts mode is selected when the engine is running and the transmission is in park).

I tried this today. I used a piece of thin black plastic (from an old notebook) and wedged it underneath the bottom of the button and it seems to be working just as you note. It was a little tricky getting the plastic piece wedged in there "just right" so that it wouldn't cycle off again but so far it appears to be a reasonable alternative.

HOW TO: Disable auto idle stop on RTL-E/Touring/Black Edition and always use 400 watt mode

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