Big stop-start issues with Toyota Verso-S...
My automatic 2013 Toyota Verso-S (28,000km on the clock) has suddenly started to cut out the engine altogether (engine chokes and I need to turn the key in the ignition in order to re-start the engine). This happens often after I make a turn, stop at a traffic light and also when I park and remove my foot from the brake pedal. It also sometimes occurs after I have stopped and then start driving again. Toyota reprogrammed my two ignition keys and replaced software to no avail. I could press "A" button, but want this fixed, for when I eventually sell my car.
Please advise!
Razanne Heggem (MOLDE)Mar 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Razanne,
If this is the diesel version, it's possible that the issue has nothing to do with the stop-start system at all, as its engine is known to develop problems with the fuel injectors that could lead to poor running and stalling.
Otherwise, all we can suggest is that you read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature to see if anything helps - and persevere with your mechanic to get to the bottom of the issue. An auto-electrician might be worth visiting, too.
My Mercedes stop-start is now working...
The auto start-stop not working even when the engine is at 80 degrees, any reason why? Or what I am doing wrong. It's a 2015 Mercedes C 220.
Bepin Gumani (Enfield)Mar 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Bepin,
There are many reasons why a car's stop-start system will not work. And we get so many queries about it that we've put together this Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature.
Give it a read and if you're still not convinced, then bring your car along to a good mechanic to have it diagnosed.
Which new hybrid SUV to go for?
I am a disabled driver and use hand controls for the brake and accelerator. For the last 12 years I have driven a Honda Accord 2.0 petrol automatic. It has been a fantastic car and now has 260k km on the clock. I am looking for a higher vehicle, an SUV, and am looking at the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Volkswagen Tiguan (I could wait for the hybrid later in the year). I live in rural Ireland and handling on twisty roads is important and accelerating to pass slower moving cars on those all too few straight stretches of road. Is this a good shortlist, and if so, which would you recommend?
Robert Joyce (Clifden)Mar 2019 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Yes, it’s a very solid shortlist, although obviously we can’t comment either way on the Tiguan plug-in hybrid as we’ve not driven one yet. As for the Honda and the Toyota, the Honda is roomier and rather more engaging to drive (better for all those twisty roads) so is probably the one we’d go for. The new RAV4 is well worth looking at, though, and it has impressive performance, so it’s good for all that overtaking. Links to our reviews below:
Does the Audi A4 have stop-start settings?
What are the different settings for in the Audi A4 2018 start-stop system? Is one setting better than the other? I have a 2018 A4 automatic. Any info is greatly appreciated.
Gloria Case (Colebrook)Mar 2019 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Gloria,
Stop-start systems generally don't have any settings as such. They are on by default and will automatically turn the engine off when appropriate. The driver can manually switch the system off when the car is running.
So basically it's on or off. Leave the system on for (slightly) better fuel economy in slow traffic situations where you might be stopped for prolonged periods of time.
Lots of issues with my Mercedes GLC...
In my Mercedes GLC, the stop/start system is not working. Also, the radio is cutting out and the reversing camera is not working after stopping and turning off the car on restart.
Any one else have these problems?
Richard Leddy (Mullagh County Cavan)Feb 2019 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Richard,
We've not come across any issues with the GLC, though most would still be under warranty. It sounds like an issue with the wiring loom or possibly even the battery. We recommend you bring the car to a good auto-electrician to have it checked over.
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
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.
LED lights on the Hyundai Kona?
Hi,
Does the Hyundai Kona 1.6 diesel have LED headlights with high beam assist? I am a disabled driver and find this would be a great asset as I have this on my VW Passat. Thank you for your time.
Noel, County Roscommon
Noel Mc Hugh (Carrick On Shannon, Co Roscommon)Feb 2019 Filed under: lighting
Expert answer
Hi Noel,
No, it does not appear so. The daytime running lights are LED and the headlights are a projector design. There is automatic turning on of the lights when it is dark, but not of the high beam. It does not appear to be on the options list from Hyundai Ireland, either.
I get a smell in my car and no stop-start...
When I stop the car and auto start/stop DOESN'T kick in, I get a bad chemical smell in the car. I wonder is this due to the air conditioner or could there be another reason?
Andrew Lawrence (Bristol)Feb 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
I can't think why that would be the air conditioner, to be honest and I would strongly advise you to get the car looked at by a good mechanic to get to the bottom of the issue before any long-term damage is done.
Hopefully it's something small.
Motor tax on a 2010 Ford Mondeo auto?
How much is the tax on a 2010 Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre automatic?
David Bevan (Bruff Co Limerick)Feb 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi David,
Right, I’m going to make a couple of assumptions here — one is that this is the 140hp 2.0-litre TDCI diesel that we’re talking about, and that it’s the post-2010 facelift model. If so, then CO2 emissions for the automatic model are 149g/km, and that means you’re in Band C for motor tax, which is €390 a year.
Will the Government alter our tax bands?
Hi guys,
I currently have a 2017 Audi Q5 190hp quattro auto S line, which would be due a change for Jan 2020. Road tax is €280 now, but I see from the full WLTP figures applicable from 1/9/2019 the tax will be €1,200, which is a crazy increase, and VRT will also get a huge hike. Do you know if the Government intend to widen the emissions bands to counteract this before 1/9/2019 or should I be looking at buying for 192? Opinions please.
Thanks
Pat
Pat Higgot (Dublin)Jan 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
Short answer is no, we don’t know. And nor does anyone, as yet. It seems more than likely that the Government will be making tweaks to the tax system this year, and SIMI (the Society of the Irish Motor Industry) has been lobbying for a movement of around ten per cent at the top end of each tax band. The EU has stated that the transition to WLTP has to be ‘revenue neutral’ so theoretically, something HAS to be done to mitigate any major increases in cost for consumers.
There’s always a but, though… The Government could theoretically say that leaving the system as is pushes people towards electric and hybrid models, and therefore is part of the overall environmental strategy, or they could decide that for the moment the tax system can continue to be based on the existing NEDC2 correlated figure.
We shall have to wait and see.