Expert answer

Hi Ricky-Lee Morgan,

In the vast majority of cases this is down to either a battery that is not in perfect health or a dodgy sensor. See our feature Why won't my car's stop-start system work? and if that doesn't help then you will need to get the car plugged into a diagnostic computer by a mechanic.

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

We'd suspect the battery or alternator aren't performing at their best. Stop-start issues are very commonplace, across all cars. So much so that we've written a feature for drivers on the subject: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

We get so many queries about stop-start systems (in all makes and models) that we wrote a feature about it: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

However, in your case, perhaps there's something up with the alternator that prevents it from charging up the battery fully. 

It may be worth getting an auto-electrician to check it out.

Expert answer

Hi Tina,

There can be many different reasons for a start-stop system not to work. We get so many queries about it that we wrote this feature: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Expert answer

Hi Wendy,

We get a lot of queries from people with cars that have stop-start issues. We've published this article to help: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Saying all that, we also know that the Fiat 500's engine can develop a couple of issues that may be relevant to you, including a problem with the alternator belt tension (and hence battery recharging when on the move) and another with the engine control unit.

Sadly, unless you're comfortable with checking the alternator belt for yourself, these items will have to be checked by a mechanic. 

Expert answer

Hi Gerald,

Most stop-start issues can be traced to a problem with the battery. Perhaps with such low mileage it isn't being kept topped up. Regardless, we suggest you read the feature we wrote about this, called Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

I don't have a full picture of the design of the roundabout you mean, but, the RSA suggests a golden rule that covers most where the roundabout is seen like a clock, with you entering the roundabout at the 6 o'clock position. For any exits between there and 12 o'clock (inclusive) you should be in the left lane. For the exits after that, you should be in the right lane.

Now, there are grey areas; where a roundabout is on a dual carriageway, for example, it's often acceptable for both lanes to be used for straight on (usually the second exit). However, it would be incorrect for the person in the left-hand lane to continue around the roundabout in that scenario, regardless of indicating, to the third or subsequent exits. 

There are loads of exceptions to this golden rule of the RSA's of course, and most unusual roundabouts have some kind of markings to follow.

We actually did a guide on the mad design of the Walkinstown Roundabout in Dublin if you're interested.

Expert answer

Hi Andres,

Stop-start systems regularly stop working. So much so that we've written a guide on the subject: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Expert answer

Hi Sue,

Sounds to us that the battery could be in poor condition. Lots of cars develop issues with their stop-start systems. We get so many questions about it that we wrote a feature about it all - Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

I'm surprised to hear that from a new truck where the battery will be in good condition, but stop-start systems regularly don't work as people expect. The system measures loads of variables before deciding whether the engine will be stopped, including the temperature of the engine and even the outside temperature. If it's cold weather, it may not work at all. If you're using items that are a big electrical drain, it may not operate. 

Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature