backpackster

I am getting use to autostart. It is fun to be able to find new ways to start your car, like turning up your fan one notch.

One thing that nags me is it's efficiency. When I was a kid I was told it wasn't worth stopping your engine unless you would be idle for at least 30 seconds.

Ignoring starter and battery issues does anyone have a clue at what point does a modern warm engine become worth it to stop/start? How many seconds of gas is used in a warm start?

bigj_16

My guess is that the start/stop features is more for the EPA cycle than us. There is probably some unique feature of that test, that the start/stop gives better "mileage" in.

FLBlue4x4

Yeah, a lot of manufacturers are including start/stop these days. The first thing I do after starting my truck is turn it off. One day, I'll disable it completely.

Iamraiderpower

yea I shut it off as soon as I crank up my truck. It reminds me of the AFM on 5.3 GM trucks. I had an 07 Z71 and around 70k that sucker drank oil like crazy and it was due to the AFM/Lifters

firerain24

Buy a forscan adaptor to disable it for good. Very annoying 'feature'. Doesn't affects MPG at all, just adds engine wear.

FLBlue4x4

That's my plan!

Ricktwuhk

Amazing the engineering experts on the internets...

It DOES save gas, that's why it's a feature. Across millions of cars, it makes an impact. The technology figures out when to stop and start, warms up the engine, etc. Use it and forget it.

#FirstWorldProblems

FLBlue4x4

Oh, I have no doubt it saves gas. It's still annoying as hell, which is why I disable it. Did the same thing on the BMW I traded in, so it's just habit to turn it off now.

ns_redneck

on the chevy cruze you can't disable it. I rented one for the day it was super annoying and seemed to crank more to start then the wifes escape. hers is pretty seamless.

engineermike

I have heard that some systems auto start by firing an injector (which one depends on crankshaft position) and carefully timed spark to get the warm engine going again. This would be more fuel efficient and save starters and batteries. I don't know if ford uses this method.