Auto-engine off quirks

54586 Views 50 Replies 15 Participants Last post by J T, Oct 18, 2018

CanMan1414

Discussion Starter · May 6, 2017

I generally don't mind the engine auto shut-off features but there are a few quicks with it:

1) Whenever I slowly drive into my garage (creeping along to squeeze it in right) I find that I'm not actually stopped but go slow enough that the engine turns off - arggg.

2) I find it strange that I can be really stopped, the engine turns off, but then I move the gear selector into park, that starts it up - don't really see the requirement for that - strange.

H'mmmm.

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NormT

· #21 · Jun 18, 2017

From the service manual:

"As soon as the driver prepares to move away (by releasing the brake pedal and/or depressing the accelerator pedal), the engine will start; it only takes the system around 0.3 s to start the engine.

To support the increased number of engine starts, the starter motor is upgraded with a high performance electric motor and a stronger pinion engagement mechanism with reduced noise levels.

Along with the upgraded starter motor, advanced battery technology is required to ensure the vehicles battery can handle the frequent charge and discharge cycles common with stop/start operation. There is battery sensor module connected to the battery which continually monitors the battery charge and healthy state. The engine control module (ECM) uses this information from the battery sensor module to determine if the battery charge and health is sufficient for an Stop/Start condition.

The Stop/Start system can reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 5% in mixed driving conditions. In an urban environment and in heavy traffic with frequent stops the savings may increase to as much as 10%. "

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Marc NY

· #22 · Jun 19, 2017

vic1212 said:
I'm pretty sure it does. But again, stop-start feature doesn't really bother me at all as New Mexico are always hot and the stop-start feature doesn't activate it.

We got some great info in our manuals regarding reason(s) why the Stop/Start may not work if the following conditions are met.

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vic1212

· #23 · Jul 3, 2017

Marc NY said:
We got some great info in our manuals regarding reason(s) why the Stop/Start may not work if the following conditions are met.

Well I'm not here complaining about the stop start doesn't work on my car but I'm just saying it wouldn't activate because here where I live it's hot most of the time so it does qualify for the outside temperature not being at the actually temperature to activate the stop start feature

NormT

· #24 · Jul 3, 2017

When it is about 90 degrees out and leaving work it'll work like it should if AC isn't blasting like a mile from work or so. So it doesn't take much but like you mention if if my wife turns the AC to low it won't shut off.

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vic1212

· #25 · Jul 5, 2017

NormT said:
When it is about 90 degrees out and leaving work it'll work like it should if AC isn't blasting like a mile from work or so. So it doesn't take much but like you mention if if my wife turns the AC to low it won't shut off.

I only know if I turn the AC to max the start stop won't activate that's all. Not sure about turning to low but I wouldn't doubt it.

frogg

· #26 · Jul 29, 2017

I think they mean LO. LO is the coldest setting for the a/c, and the fan can be adjusted up or down to suit you and it does seem to keep the engine from turning off at stop sign, etc. I noticed this when I drove an Envision loaner recently, while my Envision was in the shop, and the a/c was set to LO, sync, and could be fine-tuned with fan speed. So I got my Envision back, used this setting, and so far so good. Not sure what it will do this winter, will have to see. Don't know if I could stand max heat setting even with lowest possible fan setting. Still would rather have on/off button.

NormT

· #27 · Jul 30, 2017

My wife likes the LO setting and fans speeds slow. So when it is set in the 60's and the car does stop/start and slows AC, she's figure out how to get around the S/S. :-/

NormT

· #28 · Jul 31, 2017

...so she turns her side low when I'm driving and I go high to 75°....stop/start now works! Just a little toasty.

khathuy

· #29 · Dec 3, 2017

One way to disable the start / stop technology

Please try this at your own risk. On the Start/Stop technology, I read on Youtube that you can shift to L, then push the button on the shift all the way up to L6 (L9 if you have a 9 speeds), then the Start/ Stop won't engage. The Youtube is on the GMC but I use for my 2017 Buick Envision and it works. I am not sure if it does anything to the car but so far it feels the same as you are in D.

rugman1969

· #30 · Dec 17, 2017

I see that auto start/stop a real issue if you start having battery issues. Does that come standard with all trim models?

NormT

· #31 · Dec 17, 2017

The stop/start only stops after a certain run time after cold start, fluids temperatures up, and battery a certain voltage. If you are having battery problems you car won't start initially when cold.

whatsupdoc

· #32 · Dec 29, 2017

I also have a 2017 Lincoln MKC with 2.0L Turbo - same feature with auto stop. In the short time I've owned my Envision Prem II 2.0L Turbo it's similar - letting up a little on the brake kicks the engine back on. This appears to be normal operation. My wife drives the MKC and told her about this feature - she wasn't even aware the car was doing that LOL - but that indicates how well it works - haven't seen any issues with the Envision yet. Kicks right on at the moment my foot starts to lift off of the brake pedal.

Reactions: 1

TexasNana

· #33 · Apr 18, 2018

I just bought a 2017 Envision Essence, slightly used, 24K miles and this is the first time I've had Auto Stop in a car. There is a definite shimmy/shutter when the Auto Stop kicks on and off........is that something I should have addressed in the 30 day warranty from the seller?

Reactions: 1

NormT

· #34 · Apr 18, 2018

Nope, that is normal and a feature to help fuel economy when stopped.

whatsupdoc

· #35 · Apr 25, 2018 (Edited)

I'm wondering if Buick will have a retrofit feature to install the auto stop kill switch like on the new Buick Envisions ... I doubt it though

personally I'd like to either see that or a reprogramming of the module so it's less aggressive, waiting a longer period of time before shutting off the engine. That seems to be something reasonable that can be done by Buick.

Reactions: 1

J T

· #36 · May 11, 2018

Just slip it in neutral when coming to a stop. No auto-engine off. :smile2:

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ATLANTICWAVE1000

· #37 · Aug 22, 2018

I am not in love with the start stop myself, but this weekend I rode in my cousins brand new Mercedes C class. It is a very nice vehicle but the s/s feature was very annoying and shook the car every time. When I questioned the way it operated, she said don't they all operate like that?

NormT

· #38 · Aug 22, 2018

Yes, GM does SS well and is one of the best of them all.

TSS

· #39 · Aug 22, 2018

NormT said:
Yes, GM does SS well and is one of the best of them all.

Dont disagree with that.....still not a fan of it.....

........and I had no problem with cylinder deactivation on my 09 Impala SS or 2016 Suburban ironically.....lots of folks despise cylinder deactivation, but I didn't....I actually liked it.....NOT TO BE CONFUSED WTH the old 80's Cadillac 8-6-4.

To each their own preference.

J T

· #40 · Aug 22, 2018

Ordered the override module from smartstopstart, received it a week ago and installed it right away. I love this vehicle even more now without the annoying auto S/S.

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