Auto Stop/Start System

If the Remote Function Actuator (RFA) detects a valid smart key the driver will be able to start the engine. When the ignition switch is operated the Body Control Module/Gateway Module (BCM/GWM) transmits a hardwired crank request. The crank request transmitted to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

If the PCM receives the crank request signal, it energizes the following relays to start the engine:

• The starter relay, on vehicles with manual transmission.
• The pinion gear relay and the starter relay, on vehicles with automatic transmission.

When the motor solenoid is energized it closes a high-current contact within the solenoid. The high-current contact supplies the starter motor with power from the startup battery through the Battery Junction Box (BJB).

The auto stop/start system is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Body Control Module/Gateway Module (BCM/GWM) via the FlexRay bus. Signals from other system components and modules are used to determine the correct conditions for system operation. The auto stop/start system detects when it is appropriate to stop and start the engine.

The auto stop/start system automatically stops the engine in appropriate conditions, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions and saving fuel when the vehicle is stationary. When the driver is ready to move off, the engine instantly restarts. Sophisticated controls make sure that the auto stop/start system does not compromise the needs of either the driver or the vehicle.

By default the stop/start system is enabled at the start of each ignition cycle. The auto stop/start system can be enabled/disabled using the auto stop/start soft key.

Software within the PCM controls the operation of the stop/start system. In addition to its own dedicated components the auto stop/start system encompasses many other vehicle systems.

Complex technology interconnects these systems and makes sure that all the necessary conditions are satisfied by monitoring, among others:

• Brake hydraulic system pressure.
• Road speed.
• The state of vital vehicle systems.
• Environmental conditions.
• Transmission Control Switch (TCS) position (if equipped).

If all necessary conditions are satisfied the stop/start system automatically stops the engine if:

• The vehicle stops from a speed greater than 4 km/h (2.5 mph).
• Sufficient pressure is applied to the brake pedal to make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
• The transmission is in DRIVE or SPORT.
• PARK or NEUTRAL is selected on the Transmission Control Switch (TCS).

The driver notified that the engine stops by the auto stop/start warning indicator being illuminated in the Instrument Cluster (IC). Other warnings normally associated with an engine stoppage will not illuminate during the engine stop within an auto stop/start cycle. For example the charge warning indicator and low oil pressure indicators are suppressed.

To restart the engine, the driver must release the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal. The PCM then operates the starter motor and starts the engine.

If system conditions are not approved by the PCM the auto stop/start system will not behave as expected.

For example:

• System inhibit - The engine will continue running even though the vehicle is stationary with the brake pedal pressed and the TCS in DRIVE or SPORT. Another condition is when the vehicle is stationary and the TCS is in PARK or NEUTRAL.
• System override - The engine has been stopped by the auto stop/start system but conditions have since changed, this activates an early automatic engine restart.

These interventions are make sure the auto stop/start system does not impact on:

• Vehicle and occupant safety.
• Driver requirements.
• Occupant comfort.
• Vehicle on-road and off-road capabilities.

The main control logic for auto stop/start operation resides in the PCM. However the BCM/GWM has software to communicate engine stoppage inhibits to the PCM. In some instances the driver will be notified of the reason for the intervention. The displayed notifications are depending on the reason for the system intervention.

Stop Inhibitors 

The following conditions will prevent the auto stop/start system from stopping the engine.

Driver effected stop inhibitors:

• Driver disables the auto stop/start system.
• Brake pedal not fully pressed.
• Accelerator pedal pressed.
• Hood is open.
• Driver door is open.
• Driver seatbelt is not fastened.
• Climate control system operated above calibrated threshold.
• Windshield demist is operating.

Vehicle system effected stop inhibitors:

• Brake booster vacuum below threshold.
• Startup battery cold cranking capability below threshold.
• Startup battery state of charge is low.
• Catalytic converter outside either pre or post calibration range.
• Engine coolant temperature below threshold.
• Engine oil temperature below threshold.

Environmental effected stop inhibitors:

• Ambient air temperature above 40°C (104°F).
• Ambient air temperature below -4°C (25°F).

Start Initiators 

When the engine stops within an auto stop/start cycle the following conditions will initiate an early restart within the same auto stop/start cycle.

Driver effected start initiators:

• Driver disables the auto stop/start system.
• The accelerator pedal is pressed.
• REVERSE gear is selected on the TCS.
• Vehicle speed above calibrated threshold 3 km/h (2 mph). A restart occurs if the transmission is in NEUTRAL and the driver is present. For example, the driver seatbelt remains fastened and the driver door remains latched.
• A higher climate control blower speed is selected.
• Windshield demist is activated.

Vehicle system effected start initiators:

• Startup battery cranking capability is near its lower threshold.
• Startup battery state of charge is near its lower threshold.
• Windshield demist activates.
• The passenger compartment temperature decreases below or increases above the selected thresholds.

Environmental effected start initiators:

• Ambient air temperature rises above 40°C (104°F).
• Ambient air temperature falls below -4°C (25°F).

The maximum engine stop duration is 270 seconds, the vehicle will restart after this duration.

Start Inhibitors 

When the engine stops within a stop/start cycle, certain conditions will prevent an automatic restart.

Driver effected start inhibitors:

• Hood has been opened.
• Driver seatbelt is disengaged. (This is an automatic start inhibitor, therefore the engine can be restarted by release the brake pedal or operate the accelerator pedal)
• Driver door is unlatched. (This is an automatic start inhibitor, therefore the engine can be restarted by release the brake pedal or operate the accelerator pedal)

Vehicle system inhibitor:

• There is a system fault.