What Causes the Engine Start-Stop Failure in the Regal?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons for the engine start-stop failure in the Regal: 1. The battery temperature is too high or too low. 2. The battery charge is too low. 3. The vehicle is on a steep slope. 4. The cabin is being heated or cooled and has not yet reached an acceptable temperature. 5. The engine has not reached normal operating temperature, or the transmission is not in drive mode. Below is additional information about the engine auto start-stop system: 1. Definition of Auto Start-Stop: It is a system that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop (e.g., at a red light) and restarts it when it's time to move forward. 2. Function: During stops at traffic lights or in traffic jams, the system minimizes engine idling time to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. Turning off the engine when stopped effectively reduces noise and vibration, providing a better driving experience.
I've been driving the Regal for a while, and the engine start-stop failure is quite common, with various possible causes. The most frequent issue is a weak battery, as the start-stop system relies on battery power. If the battery is low or aging, the system will shut down. Sensor problems are also a major factor, such as faulty brake sensors or speed sensors, which prevent the car from detecting a stationary state. Weather conditions play a significant role too—the system automatically disables start-stop when the engine temperature is too low or too high to protect the engine. Also, user settings mistakes happen occasionally, like forgetting to enable the function on the dashboard. When this occurs, I first check the battery voltage with a simple tool; if that doesn’t help, I recommend visiting a professional shop to read the fault codes with a diagnostic tool. Addressing it promptly can prevent minor issues from escalating, making the drive more worry-free.
Last time I took my Buick Regal for an outing, the start-stop system suddenly failed, which really put me in a bad mood. The reason might lie in small details, like the seatbelt not being fastened tightly or the air conditioning being turned up too high, causing the system to deem it unsafe and disable the start-stop function. I looked it up online, and many car owners said battery aging is the main culprit, but I just replaced the battery last year, so that shouldn't be the issue. Later, I found out it was a loose sensor connector—tightening it myself fixed the problem. When driving, extreme temperatures, whether too high or too low, can also easily trigger issues; the Regal's start-stop system is quite sensitive and often acts up in the summer. A little maintenance tip: regularly check electrical connections during routine maintenance to prevent small problems from piling up. If repairs end up being costly, see if it can be resolved for free under warranty—saves time and hassle.
