It seems many people were afraid of the feature due to lack of understanding how it works and the system/feature capabilities. Anyhow here are a few videos that demonstrate how the feature works. IT CAN BE SWITCHED OFF. IT IS ONLY AN OPTION. IT IS NOT IDEAL FOR EVERY DRIVING SITUATION. What manufacturer would send a production car out for sale with a feature like that that cannot be disabled?? Seriously it seems to work quite well in the lands where gas costs $5 - $8 per gallon. It is perfected and nothing new here. Think of it like an independant rear suspension, ABS, Traction Control, AdvanceTrac, electric steering, electric radiator fan, or dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters.......even more modern technology is coming and it will out perform the current technology when properly engineered.

View the videos below and learn a bit about the reasons behind the Start/Stop technology.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGVDsn60rgk - Great detailed video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf006...eature=related - Great video with even more details

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0DMaA7eNDs- How to disable the feature........push a button

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VC6B...eature=related - Porsche demo

Plus many more videos below from many different manufacturers. So do not fear. The feature is necessary but can be disengaged.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yLN4_eOURI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3Nkx...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY8C5...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV22y...eature=related

 

normal people are gay about it. would rather deal with start stop or be driving a 4cyl mustang 2 again.

 

I still cannot figure out why people would think FORD developed or will implement a feature the will involuntarily shut off your car whenever it stops from driving motion. I know it's a discussion forum but the basic research should be done before you cry, argue, and debate. I hope the above videos clear up some facts regarding the feature and technology.

And NO it will not hurt your engine or kill your battery or starter.......watch the first two videos at least.

You can be sure that Visteon, Bosch, and other automotive suppliers has this technology perfected and very well engineered to last throughout the life of the vehicle. This is part of a mandatory effort to save fuel and reduce emissions.

In reality it makes since because at idle sitting at a stop light is unnecessary emission. If all cars had such a feature in california alone it may actually help reduce the smog.

Another way to reduce emissions is to reduce cylinders and power.....take your pick.

 

Why would I want this? If you can't afford the gas for a car, you can't afford that car.

 

I cross the border between Macedonia and Kosovo everyday. There are usually long lines. Many people shut off their car and push it forward as the traffic inches forward. Some turn it off and restart when the car ahead moves up, and some leave it running regardless of how long they wait. During the summer it sucks smelling all that exhaust in one area. I would welcome this technology to keep a fast car and have clean/cleaner air.

 

How snobbish.

When the price of gas climbs to the point that people can't afford muscle cars, a company like Ford will stop making them. Ask people that were here in the mid-70s, when the "gas crisis" and government regulation gave us gems such as the Mustang II.

 

I wouldn't mind it. I'm amazed when at the bank drive thru, how many people do NOT shut off their motors. Those people need start stop.

 

Gas is currently at $3.00 a gallon+ for Regular out here, and $3.23 for Premium. It is projected by 2012, we could be paying $5.00+ for Regular simply because of the devalued dollar. Congress is also looking at adding another .32 to each gallon, in tax, and some states are looking at taxing the miles you drive by checking your odometer at the gas pump and adding the tax to the price of gas you just bought.

Also,the ability to afford gas may be a mute point, as economists are also projecting a significant increase in demand from other parts of the world which could result in shortages here at home since we have limited the abiity to refine and also drill for our oil.

The point, why pay for fuel you are not actually using. The car is stopped in traffic or at a light, why not shut it down to conserve fuel, and save money. Unless, of course, you enjoy giving money to the oil companies, and various organs of the government.

 

It may not be a question of 'want' at some point, dontcha know.

I do it now, myself. If I see I'm gonna be at a light, no problem, car's off. And always at the drive thrus. I also watch lights, so I know when it's appropriate, and when it's not.

 

Well if people would watch the video and have a little comprehension they will see that the main reason behind it is to reduce carbon emission and fuel savings is probably more for marketing. Most don't seem to care about emissions or reducing pollution. But if it saves money then it should be a welcome feature. It doesn't matter if you like it or not, all auto manufacturers will have such a system on future car. They are pretty much forced to do so. Any auto manufacturer which doesn't offer such a feature better be offering a car that runs on water.

 

I was driving back in the mid-70s.
For a few months back then we all sat in lines at the gas station (if they had gas).
Often, you were limited to only 10 gallons or sometimes $5 worth of gas.
The lines often reached from the pumps out into the street.
We would start and stop our cars as we waited for our turn at the pump.
Sometimes people would end up pushing their cars to the stations.
I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP.

 

We know, man, we all saw the videos in high school!

 

The sad thing is, as someone stationed abroad can appreciate, seeing is one thing and living is another. I was too young to drive, but I remember waiting in the car with Dad, remember how summer vacation was cancelled because of the gas crisis.

I still sadly remember the day my Dad drove away with his 72 Cougar XR7 and came home with a brand new Fiesta.

From This:



To This:

(Note: not our actual cars, but the same models)

 

so will it be on by default or off?
If Off by deafault I couldn't care less. If on then it's an intrusive pain in the rear for me, maybe not for you but for me it is.

 

Oh, it'll be on by default. Like the traction control. That's unavoidable, Doug, but also work-around-able, because people are sarmt and will use kidneys and come up with a thing-a-majig to make you happerer.

/serious, just hadda say 'sarmt', and it just kept going that way.

 

Sounds good to me, as long as it doesn't prove too annoying and the whole fast start thing is what it says it is. I'd still rather them get rid of the smog spewing dump trucks (you know the ones I'm talking about), but oh well. If I were in the market for a new car my reaction would probably be... err...

"Whatever."

But I'm not.

 

It goes through my mind if I have to sit for very long but starting and stopping kills cars and componets. Short tripping wears them out quicker and I am always mindful of those things. Maybe the initial startup is not too hard on them once warm. Still, you have a bunch more things going on to make it happen. If this system defaults to off its not a big deal. The first time you have your mind on something else and pull up to a light and it shuts off its going to drive me crazy. Im sure the tuners will defeat it and predict when the time comes skip shift will be a drop in the bucket compared to this system.

I understand the pressure Ford is under to deliver fuel economy anyway possible but I dont like losing control. I will pay for the extra gas gladly.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf006...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGVDsn60rgk

Again watch the above two videos. This is not just to save fuel or increase fuel economy across the board. All car manufacturers worldwide have to reduce vehicle emissions. This is not just FORD's problem/solution. The videos gives an idea of the modified parts associated with the start/stop technology. In essence the car is not switched off like when we use the key and ignition. Fans, A/C, water pump, etc continue to work from a modified power source (battery).

Like it or not we will all have to deal with it in some way. No need in crying or *****ing. Look at the amount of emission parts that have been installed on cars from 1970-1980 and from 1980-1990. No more leaded fuel, catalytic converters robbing power, etc. This start/stop technology will do it's part but is one of the least of my concerns because it can be switched off easily.

 

Wonderful just more money spent that they can pass off to the consumer.


And considering all theses parts are very specialized for this system they all will cost more when they crap out and they will crap out. I bet one of those starters is way more than a similar regular starter. Oh and saying well the car will be under warrenty is all well and good...till the warrenty expires.

I would prefer it if it was an option on the orderlist of the car. So I could just not order it.

Ill pass on this system thank you very much.

 

Why would you want cleaner air? Not sure...

I'm not a believer in global warming, but anyone who has been to a city (or So Cal, lol) knows that air pollution is a problem. Cars generate the most crap at the least efficient rate when idling.

It's not just about affording gas...