The technology installed on modern vehicles is always a topic of discussion at Gearpatro. The technological advancements made in vehicles, whether aimed at improving safety, increasing power, improving efficiency, or reducing emissions, are truly astounding.
There has been an advancement in vehicle technology that seems to catch everyone by surprise, especially if you’re not aware your vehicle has this feature. The automatic start-stop system found in many new vehicles is specifically being discussed here. Especially if you find yourself sitting in traffic for hours, this system prevents fuel waste by automatically turning off the engine and quickly restarting it. Your car has an automatic start-stop system if it has an ‘A’ button with a circle around it.
Some vehicles with automatic start-stop systems will have different symbols or buttons. Depending on the model, the ‘A’ symbol may not be present and only the ‘start-stop’ wording is displayed. If you cannot locate the button for this feature on your car, consult your user manual.
Natural Resources Canada, Ford, and Toyota are among the reputable sources of information.
When the vehicle comes to a stop, the automatic stop-start system shuts the engine off, and once the accelerator pedal is pressed or the brake pedal is released, the engine is quickly restarted. Europeans have been using the system for years, while Americans have been using it since 2017. There are no additional parts required for the system. Since the vehicle will be switched on and off a lot more frequently, a deep-cycle battery or an EFB battery will be needed. An auto stop-start system typically has an engine starter rated for 30,000 starts.
Introducing the First Auto-Start-Stop System
Automatic start-stop systems were well ahead of their time, as with most technology. In the 1970s, Toyota introduced the first system with the Crown. In spite of its excellent performance, it was not as refined as newer vehicles due to its battery technology and engine control systems. In the late 1990s, European automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz regained popularity with the system.
The earlier start-stop system was effective at saving gas, but it wasn’t always refined. When drivers switch their cars back on, they often experience an annoying jolt. This can occur many times during a single minute of traffic. The start-stop system on many modern vehicles with mild hybrid systems is much smoother than it was years ago.
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What Does The ‘A’ Button With A Circle Around it Mean?
Automatic stop-start systems can usually be identified by their buttons with a circle around the letter ‘A’. An automatic stop-start system can be turned off from this button, allowing the driver to control the system completely.
When Does The Auto Stop-Start System Not Operate?
It takes your vehicle a few minutes to warm up before the system is ready to use. As a result, the engine, oxygen sensors, and catalytic converter will reach the optimal temperature. The system will begin to function once the vehicle reaches the operating temperature range. Below is a list of scenarios in which the system will not operate.
The Start-Stop Button Is Pressed
The most common cause of the system not working is simply pressing the button. By pressing the auto stop-start button, the system will be turned off and unable to operate. It may be necessary to deactivate this system each time the vehicle is started in some vehicles.
Engine Faults Or Error Codes
Engines that have diagnostic trouble codes can disable themselves if there is an engine fault. It is also possible for the system to be disabled by a faulty engine temperature sensor or thermostat.
4×4 Lo Enabled
The stop-start system will not function on vehicles with the low-range function enabled. The purpose of this is to prevent low-speed off-roading from being disrupted.
Low Battery Voltage
In an attempt to maintain the battery’s charge, the stop-start system won’t operate if the battery voltage is low.
Temperature Fluctuations
An unsuitable temperature outside, an unsuitable cabin temperature, or an unsuitable engine temperature will prevent the system from operating.
Automated Parking
A temporary disablement of the system will occur if the vehicle is performing an automated parking maneuver.
Gear Selection
The system won’t operate if the vehicle is not in forward gear.
When To Turn Off The Stop-Start System
Most people think the only reason to turn off their systems is because they are annoyed by the engine restarting. Traffic is the most annoying time for people to experience this. You may want to consider these other reasons when deciding whether or not to shut off the system as well:
How Much Fuel Does Auto Stop-Start Save?
By using an automatic stop-start system, fuel is not wasted while the engine idles. In addition to reducing the amount of combustion gases created, less fuel is burned, which reduces the amount of pollutants entering the atmosphere. It is sometimes questionable how much fuel the stop-start systems really save, and whether they are worth the sometimes annoying restarts.
Fuel savings were estimated to range from 3% to 10% in the early versions. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, today’s efficient engines can improve fuel economy anywhere from 7.27% to 26.4% by using stop-start systems. NRCan estimates that 4% to 10% of fuel was saved on vehicles equipped with stop-start technology.
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