Hybrid engine starts sometimes for no apparent reason

[juniorrthompson]

I have noticed that the gasoline engine will start sometimes for no apparent reason. I pulled the truck into the garage with no accessories running and the gas engine started up and ran. I let it run for a couple minutes and finally shut the key off. It has about 1300 miles on it. This is our first hybrid, is this normal?

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[BradnChristine]

I have noticed that the gasoline engine will start sometimes for no apparent reason. I pulled the truck into the garage with no accessories running and the gas engine started up and ran. I let it run for a couple minutes and finally shut the key off. It has about 1300 miles on it. This is our first hybrid, is this normal?

Most usually when I don't expect it, it is on to either help the heater provide heat or do something when cold to make the EPA happy. But yes, the car knows when to turn on the ICE. This is my third Ford Hybrid (2 C-Max's in the past) and they are great.

 

[Rod]

It has its reasons..

 

[JBryant]

It is a "Smart" car (truck in this instance) and I am not talking about that roller skate that you see on the road either that might hold two small people, but they would be cramped. It has a mind of its own and I am gload because mine is worn out.

 

[jsus]

The engine will cycle on and off as necessary to keep the engine warm and the hybrid HVB sufficiently charged, if nothing else, so long as the vehicle is on (READY indicated on the instrument cluster). Depending on which options you have, you may be able to find a specific reason for the engine starting in the instrument cluster or on the touch screen. But it's a hybrid. This is how hybrids work. It has its reasons. If you're done with the vehicle, just shut it off.

 

[huunvubu]

ICE engine also runs to charge the High Voltage Battery.

As others state if you are done driving turn it off and take the key out.

 

[Red Ryder]

On a serious note, understand that the Hybrid, like any other vehicle isn't meant to be parked and left in the "ready" state. It can start at any time for any of the above-mentioned reasons. and then some. Left unattended, it could go Christine on you and produce a colorless, odorless, toxic gas that will kill you in your sleep. Electric chainsaws are similarly dangerous as many that are familiar with a gasoline-powered saw give it great respect when running, typically outdoors. Not always so with an electric saw. Starting a gasoline saw is a deliberate act to start it and very evident. An electric one, when unboxed at the kitchen table or wherever, can start from nothing but an errant depress of a button. Just ask stumpy.

 

[GPSMan]

@Red Ryder do they call you stumpy?

 

[Red Ryder]

@Red Ryder do they call you stumpy?

No, but I got a friend named stumpy. Funny thing is that he is an ES&H guy that knew better.

 

[jsus]

Also, definitely don't leave the vehicle on in a garage with the door closed, just like any conventional gas car. As you noticed, the engine will come on without notice, potentially leading to excessive buildup of carbon monoxide.

 

[Red Ryder]

Also, definitely don't leave the vehicle on in a garage with the door closed, just like any conventional gas car. As you noticed, the engine will come on without notice, potentially leading to excessive buildup of carbon monoxide.

Yeah, that was my point with the colorless, odorless gas in my post above.

 

[Scupking]

It's not an EV or Plug in hybrid. The engine will turn on when the voltage gets low, ac or heat is on.

 

[jsus]

It's not an EV or Plug in hybrid. The engine will turn on when the voltage gets low, ac or heat is on.

Even a PHEV will start the ICE whenever the programming dictates it’s necessary. Can’t remote start a PHEV in a closed garage for that reason. Only a BEV Can because it has no ICE to start. Particularly if it’s only plugged into 120V but even on 240V, it might decide the ICE is necessary to provide enough heat…. It is less likely to start the ICE automatically once warmed up in an EV only mode but as you cannot guarantee the ICE remains off, ensure adequate ventilation at all times a PHEV is on (remote start out otherwise).

 

[Deleted member 1483]

Battery under 30%, coolant temp too low are the two main reasons.

 

[Sykotyk]

I know for a fact the hybrid will power down after about 20 minutes or so but asks on the screen first if you want to keep it on. After 30 it shuts off automatically

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