Stop/Start function - starting to stop me using it.

[Yorkie]

Mine is a dream. It’s a manual so if I don’t want it to switch off I leave the clutch depressed and only release if I think I will be a while.

I too can see it not operating if certain criteria is not met: engine needs to be warm, temperatures inside near the set point and not too much electricity being used so a danger for the battery.

 

[alstevens]

Normal function of the Stop/start function, you probably just never noticed it before. aircon during hot weather can have the same effect.

Just completed an 800 mile round trip ... error indication never stopped !!! must need a lot of battery power !
Have simply logged it with the de4aler as an unresolved warranty issue and asked them to look again when the next service comes around. Like many above I can happily live without it but assume any issues will impact any resale price .....

 

[MattBW]

Initially sounds more like a duff starter battery than a problem with the stop start but that wouldnt give an error as far as I know. Mine simply doesnt stop if the battery isnt good enough (starting takes a lot of juice after all).

Do you charge your batteries via hookup once a month? I always find two things present themselves after I do this...

1) My MPG does seem to increase slightly, due to the bluemotion tech I assume not needing to use the alternator quite so much.
2) The stop start comes on more regularly and predictably.

 

[alstevens]

Will give more regular top up charging a go though on the trip we were on hook up anyway at the campsites,....

cheers. Al

 

[MattBW]

Yeah that should trickle your starter battery too so it should be good.

 

[Heiney]

I do software validation on the stop / start system for another manufacturer, so have a bit of background that I can share:

The stop / start system will not work if:

• The battery voltage is low, or the battery is in poor health
• The drivers seat belt isn't fastened
• If there is too much electrical load (wipers, stereo, hair dryer plugged into the 12v socket and the like)
• The bonnet is open
• The drivers door is open
• The brake pressure is too low
• The brake vacuum pressure is too low (try gently coming off and reapplying the brake a few times when in an autostop and the car will restart!).
• There is a load on the power steering (try jiggling it when in an auto stop and the car will restart)
• The A/C is on
• If there is a wheel speed sensor fault
• If there is an air bag sensor fault
• If there is a fault with any of the sensors associated with any of the systems above (brake pressure sensor for example)
• The stop / start is deactivated on the button (obviously)
• There is an engine management fault
• If you've done several stop / starts in a short time - it disables to protect the starter motor from over heating.
• The outside air temperature is too low or too high (nominal figures are -4 degrees and 40 degrees)
• If the engine temperature is too high or too low
• If the engine speed is too high (say, if you are in neutral and just revving for the fun of it!)
• If DPF regeneration is required
• If there is low fuel
• Auto Only: If there is a gearbox fault
• Manual Only: Not in Neutral / clutch depressed

The list certainly isn't exhaustive; that's just a few off the top of my head.

We also have a bit of code that we can send to dealers to diagnose what the cause of the lack of the stop / start, not sure if VW have this, but its certainly something that others do.

Hope that this helps to shed a bit of light on possible causes of your issue.

 

[2into1]

If there is low fuel

Oh the irony.....it turns off the (apparent) fuel saving technology in order to save fuel !

 

[OConnors]

Like the original post I do find start/stop annoying especially when in a DSG in a traffic jam. I always turn it off. It is however quite satisfying in town when the engine shuts off and there is a cyclist behind you or pedestrians around. I imagine the 1000's of vehicles around the world shut off at that time. Very satisfying.

 

[OConnors]

I do software validation on the stop / start system for another manufacturer, so have a bit of background that I can share:

The stop / start system will not work if:

• The battery voltage is low, or the battery is in poor health
• The drivers seat belt isn't fastened
• If there is too much electrical load (wipers, stereo, hair dryer plugged into the 12v socket and the like)
• The bonnet is open
• The drivers door is open
• The brake pressure is too low
• The brake vacuum pressure is too low (try gently coming off and reapplying the brake a few times when in an autostop and the car will restart!).
• There is a load on the power steering (try jiggling it when in an auto stop and the car will restart)
• The A/C is on
• If there is a wheel speed sensor fault
• If there is an air bag sensor fault
• If there is a fault with any of the sensors associated with any of the systems above (brake pressure sensor for example)
• The stop / start is deactivated on the button (obviously)
• There is an engine management fault
• If you've done several stop / starts in a short time - it disables to protect the starter motor from over heating.
• The outside air temperature is too low or too high (nominal figures are -4 degrees and 40 degrees)
• If the engine temperature is too high or too low
• If the engine speed is too high (say, if you are in neutral and just revving for the fun of it!)
• If DPF regeneration is required
• If there is low fuel
• Auto Only: If there is a gearbox fault
• Manual Only: Not in Neutral / clutch depressed

The list certainly isn't exhaustive; that's just a few off the top of my head.

We also have a bit of code that we can send to dealers to diagnose what the cause of the lack of the stop / start, not sure if VW have this, but its certainly something that others do.

Hope that this helps to shed a bit of light on possible causes of your issue.

If the cabin temperature is too high or low, probably the only one I actually knew!

 

[WelshGas]

Oh the irony.....it turns off the (apparent) fuel saving technology in order to save fuel !

If the Fuel level drops below a certain point and the engine stops then you cannot restart until you have topped up the fuel tank to exceed the shut-off level. Prior to this you will get a Low Fuel Alarm.
No doubt the same might happen if your Adblue level drops too low.

 

[B J G]

If the Fuel level drops below a certain point and the engine stops then you cannot restart until you have topped up the fuel tank to exceed the shut-off level. Prior to this you will get a Low Fuel Alarm.
No doubt the same might happen if your Adblue level drops too low.

Never thought of the AdBlue stop/start factor, could be a disaster if you were in the last drop mode to get home or to a refill site when once stopped it won't restart.

 

[Teejay]

Stop/start is still active when Aircon is on. Mine is on all the time and it always SSs.

..me..

 

[B J G]

Stop/start is still active when Aircon is on. Mine is on all the time and it always SSs.

..me..

Aircon may be on but the pump isn't always engaged and it's that that needs the engine running.
Think of your fridge at home, it only cools periodically.

 

[kaf2546]

Mine T6 does the same. It turns off the engine right before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The speed is so low that I don't consider it dangerous.
And I always keep the feature activated. Off course it is good for the environment, we shouldn't burn fossil fuel if not needed. And I am sure the computer can decide when the conditions are fulfilled to avoid "short trips" and heavier impact on environment than to keep the engine running.

Should get it checked out, shouldn’t turn off before stopping, mine turns off with firm push on brake when I’ve come to a stop. As others have said, a coast and light braking style doesn’t stop the engine, bit of practice and you can control Start/Stop to your liking via the brake pedal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jabberwocky]

There is no doubt in my mind that gentle/progressive braking avoids activating the S/S as you come to a stop. I also recognise that it's not always possible to do that and, in which case, the S/S will kick in.

 

[Ghostbuster]

I know this post is a few years old now but I’m searching for some information on the Cali’s stop/start operation.
My Audi has this so Ian quite used to it but its operation on the Cali is surprisingly different.
When it activates on my Audi I can activate the electronic handbrake and take my foot off the brake pedal and sit and wait in the queuing traffic. But on the Cali (DSG) I have to keep my foot on the brake pedal or the engine restarts.
This is one of my pet hates especially during the dark winter months. There is nothing worse than being sat behind someone in the dark with the brake lights glaring.
People complain of bright headlights. I find this far worse.
Anyway, is this normal behaviour for the Cali (not me)?

 

[dspuk]

I know this post is a few years old now but I’m searching for some information on the Cali’s stop/start operation.
My Audi has this so Ian quite used to it but its operation on the Cali is surprisingly different.
When it activates on my Audi I can activate the electronic handbrake and take my foot off the brake pedal and sit and wait in the queuing traffic. But on the Cali (DSG) I have to keep my foot on the brake pedal or the engine restarts.
This is one of my pet hates especially during the dark winter months. There is nothing worse than being sat behind someone in the dark with the brake lights glaring.
People complain of bright headlights. I find this far worse.
Anyway, is this normal behaviour for the Cali (not me)?

Yes

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

I switched it off at every start up, otherwise excessive wear on starter motor and starting battery

 

[WelshGas]

I switched it off at every start up, otherwise excessive wear on starter motor and starting battery

Well 134,000 miles in 10 years, Stop Start never switched off, and 1st Engine Battery lasting 7 yrs doesn’t seem to indicate excessive wear.

 

[TripleBee]

Well 134,000 miles in 10 years, Stop Start never switched off, and 1st Engine Battery lasting 7 yrs doesn’t seem to indicate excessive wear.

Well, 120000miles (almost 200000km) in 14 years, don't have stop start, and battery changed last winter.
Also note that the van is used as a daily commuter, 12km (7.5mi) single trip.

I am glad I don't have Bluemotion Technology. I don't have stop/start, normal tyres, a real 6-speed manual gearbox.
As the manual states, with BMT, I could save up to 0.5 liters/100km (approx. 3mpg). But seeing what my mpg is up to now, I don't know how I could save that extra half liter.

Once I drove an Audi A1 (first model) with that first generation of stop/start system. I managed to be too quick for the stop/start system, causing me to set off at the green light and go around the corner on the starter motor before the engine was completely running on it's own.

The only time I switch off my engine is when I am at a railway crossing. There you can anticipate to the amber flashing lights. At normal red lights, I never switch off my engine. If they want less polution, they just have to make sure I have a green light when I arrive there.

It is not my favourite feature in a car, alongside ACC and lane assist.
I am glad I have an old van without all those (nowadays almost obligatory) features.

 

[WelshGas]

Well, 120000miles (almost 200000km) in 14 years, don't have stop start, and battery changed last winter.
Also note that the van is used as a daily commuter, 12km (7.5mi) single trip.

I am glad I don't have Bluemotion Technology. I don't have stop/start, normal tyres, a real 6-speed manual gearbox.
As the manual states, with BMT, I could save up to 0.5 liters/100km (approx. 3mpg). But seeing what my mpg is up to now, I don't know how I could save that extra half liter.

Once I drove an Audi A1 (first model) with that first generation of stop/start system. I managed to be too quick for the stop/start system, causing me to set off at the green light and go around the corner on the starter motor before the engine was completely running on it's own.

The only time I switch off my engine is when I am at a railway crossing. There you can anticipate to the amber flashing lights. At normal red lights, I never switch off my engine. If they want less polution, they just have to make sure I have a green light when I arrive there.

It is not my favourite feature in a car, alongside ACC and lane assist.
I am glad I have an old van without all those (nowadays almost obligatory) features.

The original comment was relating to Stop/Start increasing wear and tear on the Starter motor or engine battery.
I would say it doesn't. I changed my engine battery at 7 yrs because it didn't start 1st time one cold winters morning. Probably could have prolonged its life by charging it, but couldn't be bothered.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

The original comment was relating to Stop/Start increasing wear and tear on the Starter motor or engine battery.
I would say it doesn't. I changed my engine battery at 7 yrs because it didn't start 1st time one cold winters morning. Probably could have prolonged its life by charging it, but couldn't be bothered.

If it doesn't then please explain why the latest generation of vehicles have combined starter generators permanently connected through the gearbox?

 

[dspuk]

If it doesn't then please explain why the latest generation of vehicles have combined starter generators permanently connected through the gearbox?

A fairly simple google busts most myths around stop start.

I’d address the fear of ACC and other features to make driving safer and easier as well but too busy listening to my 78 Gramophone records with a bag on my head.

If you ever watched Not the 9 o’clock news, you would know…

Stop-start engines and engine idling – the law and common myths revealed | RAC Drive

Does it use more fuel? Does it cause more pollution? We decided to unearth the facts and find conclusive answers.

www.rac.co.uk

 

[acer]

A fairly simple google busts most myths around stop start.

I’d address the fear of ACC and other features to make driving safer and easier as well but too busy listening to my 78 Gramophone records with a bag on my head.

If you ever watched Not the 9 o’clock news, you would know…

Stop-start engines and engine idling – the law and common myths revealed | RAC Drive

Does it use more fuel? Does it cause more pollution? We decided to unearth the facts and find conclusive answers.

www.rac.co.uk

But why listen to experts in possession of facts?

 

[WelshGas]

If it doesn't then please explain why the latest generation of vehicles have combined starter generators permanently connected through the gearbox?

Probably because someone decided to R&D a combined unit that was cheaper than 2 units, a starter to turn engine over and a generator to power the electrics, and which would be in use all the time and eliminate the need to carry around a starter which was only used to start the engine and then be a useless component for the rest of the journey until required to restart the engine.