What's up with my Ford's stop-start system?

I have a 2017 Ford Escape. The auto start/stop functionality stopped working after Ford dealership regenerated the computer because the car would sporadically die at intersections. Now, when I have complained the auto start/stop functionality doesn't work they have provided me a list of 10 plus scenarios when the functionality will not work. If the engine is cold, too hot, if devices are plugged in, battery low etc. It seems like this is an excuse for a software bug that Ford doesn't want to address in older models.

Your opinion is welcomed

Beth Mills (Indianapolis)

Feb 2019 Filed under: fault

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Expert answer

Hi Beth,

Stop-start systems from all car makers do indeed have a long list of situations in which they won't work. We get so many queries about it that we wrote a guide called Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

It's certainly preferable to have the stop-start system not working rather than the car cutting out when you don't want it to.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor
@Shane_O_D