What are the reasons for the failure of the Regal's start-stop function?
3 Answers
The reasons for the failure of the Regal's start-stop function are: 1. Seat belt is not fastened; 2. Driver's door is not closed; 3. Battery temperature is too high or too low; 4. Battery power is too low; 5. The vehicle is on a steep slope; 6. The cabin is being heated or cooled; 7. The brake pedal is not fully depressed; 8. The engine hood is open. The Regal is a medium-sized 4-door, 5-seater sedan with body dimensions of 4904mm in length, 1863mm in width, 1461mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2829mm. The Regal is equipped with a 1.5T engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 124 kW and a maximum torque of 250 Nm.
My Buick Regal's start-stop function has suddenly failed several times. Usually, it's because the battery doesn't have enough power to support it—when an old battery's voltage drops too low, the system automatically shuts it off to prevent stalling. Also, during extreme weather, like freezing cold below zero or scorching summer heat, the protection mechanism disables the function. If the seatbelt isn't fastened properly, the system will temporarily deactivate it because it judges the situation as unsafe without proper positioning. If the speed sensors on the wheels get dirty or covered in dust, causing false signals, that can also prevent it from working. Once, when I took it to the 4S shop for inspection, they found that the ECU software was outdated—after an update, it worked fine again. I recommend keeping an eye on the dashboard warning lights, maintaining battery health, regularly checking voltage, and reducing short trips to extend battery life. The start-stop function is meant to save fuel and be eco-friendly, but when it fails, it can actually increase fuel consumption—fixing it promptly is more cost-effective.
Common causes for start-stop function failure in the Buick Regal include battery aging with voltage below the standard triggering protective shutdown, or sensor malfunctions such as wheel speed detection devices failing to correctly identify the parking state. Insufficient vacuum in the brake system or unstable pressure may also lead to function suspension. The system automatically disables the function to prevent damage when external temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius or drop below freezing. If there are bugs in the software program or it is outdated, a professional repair shop visit is required for an update. You can first check for oxidation at the battery terminal connections, clean them to ensure good contact. If the issue persists, use a diagnostic tool to scan for error codes to avoid minor problems escalating. Maintaining vehicle safety and reliability is crucial.