Auto start/stop hasn't been working

[Powernout]

When we pickup up the AWD truck from the dealer, this feature worked for the first two weeks. So far we've driven 5000km since mid January, and I can't safely say that it hasn't kicked in once during all of February. I went to the dealer and was told the battery only charges when the brake is applied. Granted, I'm an extremely good driver, but even I use my brakes sometimes.

How is this working for all of you?

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[Mox4615]

I personally don’t like the auto start stop I think it’s hard on the starter. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise lol I turn mine off every time I get in

 

[Waterick]

Didn't know riding the brakes could make this problem go away. Lol. Part of the problem where Ford does not want the battery charging to cause lower fuel mileage.

 

[middleton_1]

I'm betting your battery is going bad. This is a common symptom. The dealer is likely confused about the braking on a an ecoboost vs hybrid.

 

[Robber's Roost]

I went to the dealer and was told the battery only charges when the brake is applied.

I have no idea what they are talking about and I don't think they do either Your battery is less than fully charged so you either need to drive more/longer or put a battery charger on it occasionally to keep it topped off. A battery tender is inexpensive.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

This can be an indication of a weak or dying battery. Use a battery tender when you won't be driving for a few days. It may increase the lifetime of the battery.

 

[Powernout]

This can be an indication of a weak or dying battery. Use a battery tender when you won't be driving for a few days. It may increase the lifetime of the battery.

I'll check the voltage later today and monitor for a few days.

 

[paneubert]

I'll check the voltage later today and monitor for a few days.

You either have the feature turned off, or your battery is "low". 99% chance it is the battery. There have been tons of posts/threads with folks (myself included) monitoring our battery voltage at all sorts of stages. After sitting for 24 hours post drive, during a drive (showing alternator voltage), when engine running but sitting in park, right after a drive, an hour or so after a drive (so the voltage settles to an accurate read), etc.... The EcoBoost battery is NOT charged by the BMS to full capacity when driving, even on long drives, so it often remains "low" enough that the Auto Start/Stop disables itself, especially if you have not consistently been doing long drives. Even a couple "short" drives will disable the feature due to it not recharging enough to compensate for the energy used to start the truck a couple times (both original start when you get in, as well as a couple instances of Auto Start/Stop when it is functioning).

Just one example of another lengthy thread on the topic.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/auto-stop-start-not-working.6872/

Edit to Add: This is the one I was commenting on a while back: https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...rt-trips-with-no-battery-charge-issues.40332/

 

[Powernout]

You either have the feature turned off, or your battery is "low". 99% chance it is the battery. There have been tons of posts/threads with folks (myself included) monitoring our battery voltage at all sorts of stages. After sitting for 24 hours post drive, during a drive (showing alternator voltage), when engine running but sitting in park, right after a drive, an hour or so after a drive (so the voltage settles to an accurate read), etc.... The EcoBoost battery is NOT charged by the BMS to full capacity when driving, even on long drives, so it often remains "low" enough that the Auto Start/Stop disables itself, especially if you have not consistently been doing long drives. Even a couple "short" drives will disable the feature due to it not recharging enough to compensate for the energy used to start the truck a couple times (both original start when you get in, as well as a couple instances of Auto Start/Stop when it is functioning).

Just one example of another lengthy thread on the topic.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/auto-stop-start-not-working.6872/

Edit to Add: This is the one I was commenting on a while back: https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...rt-trips-with-no-battery-charge-issues.40332/

I see now. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, I actually had done a search for it, but apparently not a good one

We drive a 255km stretch twice a week and we use the car daily, so it makes no sense to me that the battery doesn't charge enough.

 

[dusty1787]

When we pickup up the AWD truck from the dealer, this feature worked for the first two weeks. So far we've driven 5000km since mid January, and I can't safely say that it hasn't kicked in once during all of February. I went to the dealer and was told the battery only charges when the brake is applied. Granted, I'm an extremely good driver, but even I use my brakes sometimes.

How is this working for all of you?

I have been experiencing something similar since I got it in Oct 23. to my understanding its a good chance the battery is fine, but isnt charging it enough with everyday driving to get it above its settings where the auto start/stop resumes. The first month or so I had my Maverick it would turn off/on every complete stop while driving. then the following few months I noticed it wasnt doing it anymore. But then here on the forums others were saying theirs was still working (even in colder climates). For about 2 months straight of not having it auto start/stop on its own, I ended up taking a 3.5hr trip to see family for the holidays (I stayed the night as drinking was involved). The next day when I used it again to drive back home...I came to a traffic light and it shut off then back on (it started working again!). Drove back home 3.5hrs and it worked for the next couple days and then went back to not working on its own.

I did some research and it appears that some long drives are needed, but I do not drive more than 30min 1 way daily. So I have been keeping an eye on my battery and it does not appear that there is anything failing with it... it just isnt getting above where it needs to be with my 15-20min drives to and from work daily. I will double check with the dealership next time I go in to inspect battery/charging system, but I do not feel that its the battery issue, but I will see in the next month or so when I go back in for regular service.

Right now it just appears that longer drives are needed to keep the system working and I currently do not do that. So its not an issue not having the auto start/stop working, but I would prefer all the features I paid for, to work all the time.

EDIT: just seen your comment about a longer stretch of driving each week, so maybe it is the battery

 

[paneubert]

Easy way to show it is in fact the BMS not charging the battery enough is to put it on a battery tender overnight, preferably bypassing the BMS (so it actually charges it fully). Auto Start/Stop will magically start working again.....for about a day. Haha. I have tried it.

 

[Powernout]

You either have the feature turned off, or your battery is "low". 99% chance it is the battery. There have been tons of posts/threads with folks (myself included) monitoring our battery voltage at all sorts of stages. After sitting for 24 hours post drive, during a drive (showing alternator voltage), when engine running but sitting in park, right after a drive, an hour or so after a drive (so the voltage settles to an accurate read), etc.... The EcoBoost battery is NOT charged by the BMS to full capacity when driving, even on long drives, so it often remains "low" enough that the Auto Start/Stop disables itself, especially if you have not consistently been doing long drives. Even a couple "short" drives will disable the feature due to it not recharging enough to compensate for the energy used to start the truck a couple times (both original start when you get in, as well as a couple instances of Auto Start/Stop when it is functioning).

Just one example of another lengthy thread on the topic.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/auto-stop-start-not-working.6872/

Edit to Add: This is the one I was commenting on a while back: https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...rt-trips-with-no-battery-charge-issues.40332/

I see now. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, I actually had done a search for it, but apparently not a good one

We drive a 255km stretch twice a week and we use the car daily, so it makes no sense to me that the battery doesn't charge enough.

I have been experiencing something similar since I got it in Oct 23. to my understanding its a good chance the battery is fine, but isnt charging it enough with everyday driving to get it above its settings where the auto start/stop resumes. The first month or so I had my Maverick it would turn off/on every complete stop while driving. then the following few months I noticed it wasnt doing it anymore. But then here on the forums others were saying theirs was still working (even in colder climates). For about 2 months straight of not having it auto start/stop on its own, I ended up taking a 3.5hr trip to see family for the holidays (I stayed the night as drinking was involved). The next day when I used it again to drive back home...I came to a traffic light and it shut off then back on (it started working again!). Drove back home 3.5hrs and it worked for the next couple days and then went back to not working on its own.

I did some research and it appears that some long drives are needed, but I do not drive more than 30min 1 way daily. So I have been keeping an eye on my battery and it does not appear that there is anything failing with it... it just isnt getting above where it needs to be with my 15-20min drives to and from work daily. I will double check with the dealership next time I go in to inspect battery/charging system, but I do not feel that its the battery issue, but I will see in the next month or so when I go back in for regular service.

Right now it just appears that longer drives are needed to keep the system working and I currently do not do that. So its not an issue not having the auto start/stop working, but I would prefer all the features I paid for, to work all the time.

EDIT: just seen your comment about a longer stretch of driving each week, so maybe it is the battery

The dealer said it recharges when braking. The thing I don't do much is drive short distances, but I do have to be on my breaks for 1,5km coming down the hill from my house. I'm curious to see what happens if I get stuck in traffic

 

[Powernout]

Easy way to show it is in fact the BMS not charging the battery enough is to put it on a battery tender overnight, preferably bypassing the BMS (so it actually charges it fully). Auto Start/Stop will magically start working again.....for about a day. Haha. I have tried it.

I can give that a try, I think I have one.

 

[Packer Bill]

I went to the dealer and was told the battery only charges when the brake is applied.

This dealer is WRONG. I use ScanGauge to monitor the voltage and my alternator is charging while the Mav is moving. In fact, when I am idling with my foot on the brake, my voltage goes down.

 

[Equator Guy]

I posted this recently with another user with similar ussue: It might be different on the Lariat (bigger screen and maybe different menu layout) but on my EB XL: If you go to the center screen and the Information Menu, then select AutoStartStop, the reason stop/start isn't working is displayed. Below is a screenshot I took with a cold engine:

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