Revealing The Truth About Auto Start Stop: 3 Myths Busted! (2023)

FAQs

What is the problem with auto start-stop? ›

The engine auto starts/stop system in vehicles may not work when the car stops for various reasons, such as a weak battery, a malfunctioning alternator, poor wiring connections, a false start/stop control module, or other systems being active (such as the air conditioning or audio system).

While it is not possible to permanently disable this feature, you are still able to disable it. With a normal vehicle, stop-start can be paused by pressing the “A Off” button next to your car's gear shift. However, this does not permanently fix the problem like Autostop Eliminator does.

Because the “starter” is a massive electric motor powered by about 300 volts, the restarting process while the car is under way is so effortless that the driver usually can't even detect it without instruments. Some drivers do not like the abrupt stop/start action because it is a bit jarring at first.

What does stop-start mean? Stop-start systems are fitted to the vast majority of modern cars – from superminis to supercars – in order to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. There are a number of different systems on the market, but they all fundamentally do the same thing.

Disadvantages of Automatic Engine Start/Stop Systems

Another drawback of these systems is that they do require idling the main engine, creating additional hours of wear on the main engine and loading of the DPF exhaust system.

Depending on the style of driving, Start-Stop technology can achieve fuel savings of up to 15%. However, the effectiveness of the system depends on many factors, including the area of use.

One good example is when driving on a backed-up road in a major city. But the idea that starting and stopping your engine multiple times is harmful is also a myth. In fact, even if you're stuck in traffic and know you'll only move a few meters every few minutes, feel free to start and stop your engine multiple times.

People have come to believe that remote starting puts unnecessary strain on your car's engine, which is not true. Whether you're sitting inside of your car or remote starting from the comfort of your home, your engine will not react any differently.

The system helps reduce fuel consumption by automatically shutting off and restarting the engine while your vehicle is stopped. The engine restarts when you release the brake pedal.

The concept of the stop-start system is simple. It automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at rest to cut fuel use and eliminate idle emissions.

Did Ford remove auto start-stop? ›

Auto Start/Stop Removal (52X), as it's officially known, will no longer be available to order starting this Friday, March 24^th 2023. Both retail and fleet orders placed before this date will be built as ordered, and those opting for this removal will receive a $50 credit, as was previously the case.

Vehicles with Stop Start systems require 5 to 10 times more engine starts when compared to their conventional counterparts. This puts a lot of strain on the vehicle's battery.

With pricing around $100, you can keep the auto start stop feature off without having to push the button each time. Auto start stop devices remember your preference for this feature and accomplish this task without voiding your vehicle's warranty.

The Autostop Eliminator doesn't make any changes to your vehicle and therefore it can't void your warranty or any portion of your warranty.

Unless you drive a vintage, carburetor-equipped vehicle, you'll save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by turning it off. Some drivers think that idling uses less fuel than restarting, but our research has found that drivers save fuel and reduce emissions by shutting down for stops as brief as 10 seconds.

Decreases performance. Over time, idling can cause your head gasket, spark plugs, or cylinder rings to deteriorate and stop working. Drains car battery. Idling does not allow your battery to charge and causes it to strain.

Idling reduces your vehicle's fuel economy, costs you money, and creates pollution. Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and produces more emissions that contribute to smog and climate change than stopping and restarting your engine does.

Another question owners have is wondering if the start-stop system actually saves them any money. Modern engines don't use much fuel at idle, only enough to keep the momentum of the spinning parts moving and drive the accessories. Still, the EPA estimates real-world gas savings are in the 3 to 10 percent range.

Stop-start won't intervene when the engine is cold. This is because the car's computer is sufficiently savvy to know that an engine is at its most efficient when it's fully warm. Therefore the clever computer keeps the engine running until it's at an optimal temperature.

A vehicle start-stop system or stop-start system automatically shuts down and restarts the internal combustion engine to reduce the amount of time the engine spends idling, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Is it bad to idle your car with the AC on? ›

As long as the engine is running and you aren't running low on fuel, you can keep your car idling with the AC on for as long as you'd like. . Running the AC with the engine off will also not produce cool air, since the compressor uses engine power to function.

Generally speaking, you should turn your engine on every week for at least 15 minutes. However, there is no hard or fast rule. Some cars may only be a few months or years old versus those that could be 20+ years.

The general rule of thumb is that if your car is stationary for less than 10 seconds it's not worth shutting it off. That does, however, leave big chunks of time when you are stationary when you can turn it off, for example: Waiting for your drive-through order.

Average car starter lifespan

A car starter can give you around 80,000 starts before you should expect it to struggle, regardless of the mileage you drive. This is around 150,000 miles for some cars, while some starters can last the vehicle's life.

If you're worried about wear and tear on your engine, then a remote starter is something to avoid. Frequently preheating and cooling your vehicle before you drive puts extra stress on your engine, which could shorten its lifespan.

The most obvious difference is that hybrid vehicles contain one or more electric drive motors that can propel the vehicle, usually while the gas engine isn't running, where an auto start-stop vehicle does not. This electric motor uses the same throttle input, but the motor is propelled by battery power alone.

This blinking red light in the car is more of a built-in alarm system for your vehicle where it could prevent someone from burglarizing your vehicle. This blinking red light can be referred to as the anti-theft or immobilization light.

It is most likely caused by a faulty coil pack or a dirty throttle body. Either of these issues could be causing your car to jerk while stopped at lights. The throttle body is an essential piece of equipment that controls the airflow throughout your engine.

Your vehicle can stop running or have a hard time idling for several reasons. But there are two main reasons: either you have an issue with spark or with fuel. Usually, when your car begins to sputter and then slowly dies, it's because it has lost fuel pressure. The most common reason is simply running out of gas.

Headlight flashing can let other drivers know of one's presence. Flashing can acknowledge the presence or actions of other drivers. Flashing can be a signal that the flashing driver is yielding the right of way, for example at an intersection controlled by stop signs.

How much fuel is wasted at red lights? ›

We used to hear people cite the myth that it takes more fuel to restart the car than it does to keep it running while you'r e waiting at a light. That's nonsense. 5 percent to fuel economy, give or take, depending on how much stop-and-go driving is done.

Idling uses up to ½ gallon of fuel per hour (although it varies depending on the type and size of the engine). It may not seem like much, but idling for a few minutes everyday can cost you several dollars per week. MYTH: Engines need to warm up by idling, especially in cold weather.

Some vehicles have a button to turn Stop/Start off for one ignition cycle. If the vehicle is equipped with the Stop/Start deactivation switch, you can push the switch to turn off Stop/Start. Stop/Start is turned off when the LED indicator on the switch is not illuminated.

Ford announced in 2020 that it wanted to focus its budget on the more popular SUVs that were new in the market, such as the Explorer and the rough and tough Bronco. The brand stopped production of all its sedans, which deprived people of the other two flagship models, the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus.

The system is designed to help reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by stopping the engine when it is idling, for example at traffic lights.

Improper installation could lead to other issues.

If a new remote-start mechanism was installed by someone other than the manufacturer, you run the risk of having it installed improperly. This mistake can lead to other problems, such as a premature draining of your vehicle's battery.

What is the difference between a Stop Start battery and a normal battery? Vehicles with Stop Start systems require a Stop Start battery. Conventional batteries are not suitable for such vehicles and attempting to use one would not only cause premature battery failure.

Whether you're sitting inside of your car or remote starting from the comfort of your home, your engine will not react any differently. Remote starting and running your engine before driving puts no more toll on the engine than if you were inside your car waiting for it to warm up.

Remote starters increase engine wear and tear. This is a common misconception about remote starters. It's unclear why people are lead to believe this is the case, but it's untrue. The consensus among mechanics is that remote starters are good for your engine, especially for people with turbos or diesel engines.

There is one instance, however, where a remote starter could needlessly tax your battery. If your car did not come with a remote starter and you want to install an aftermarket model, improper installation could lead to issues with your battery and electrical systems.

Can you jump start from a stop-start battery? ›

Jumpstarting a car equipped with Start/Stop technology is not advisable as the battery used is specialised to that car. Sometimes, a modern car is used to jumpstart an older car, this may cause a power surge to the newer car, resulting in damage to the expensive electronic systems.

Higher Cost: Start-stop batteries are typically more expensive than traditional batteries. This is because they are designed to meet the specific demands of start-stop systems and are typically made with more advanced technology.

Most stop/start systems use a deep cycle aggregated glass mat battery (AGM). This type of battery requires different testing methods and shop chargers. Some systems use a second battery to handle non-starter loads so the customer doesn't notice any disruption HVAC or audio.