What does it mean when the Civic's engine energy-saving auto start-stop is not provided?
3 Answers
Engine auto start-stop system not provided: First, ensure that the auto start-stop function is not turned off (the button light indicates it is off). Additionally, the seat belt must be fastened, the air conditioning temperature cannot be set to the lowest, the speed must exceed 5 km/h, and the coolant temperature cannot be too low. Specific reasons affecting the start-stop function are as follows: Battery level: The battery level must not be less than 70%, and the temperature must be below 65 degrees; the seat belt must be fastened; the air conditioning cannot be on; the transmission must not be in P or R; the windshield heating function must not be activated. Steering wheel angle: The steering wheel angle must not exceed 30 degrees; the vehicle must not be parked on a slope; the vehicle speed must be 0; the driver's door must be closed. If any of these conditions are not met, the function will not be provided.
The other day when I was driving my Civic, I encountered a situation where the auto start-stop function failed. I found that this thing usually stops working because the battery charge is insufficient or the system detects some unmet conditions, like the AC being on or the engine temperature being too high, which will cause it to automatically deactivate. Sometimes it's because the sensors are dirty or the contact points are loose, preventing the signal from being transmitted. I studied the manual myself and suggest first stopping and restarting the car to see if it works. If it still doesn't, it's best to go to the 4S shop for a diagnostic check with their equipment. Don't ignore it, because if the auto start-stop doesn't work, fuel consumption will be a bit higher, and over time it can affect the battery's lifespan. Under normal conditions, it should automatically shut off the engine at red lights to save fuel. If it's faulty, it needs to be repaired promptly to prevent it from becoming a more serious issue.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, my Civic occasionally has issues with the start-stop system not functioning properly, meaning the feature temporarily stops working. There could be various reasons, such as the car just starting up in a cold state, or you frequently pressing the brake pedal with insufficient depth, making it think activation isn't needed. I've also noticed this happens when the weather is extremely hot or cold. In daily driving, it's usually not a big problem, but when it doesn't work, it burns a bit more fuel, possibly costing you an extra few dozen bucks in gas each month. If it happens frequently, I'd suggest checking the fuses or loose wiring connections yourself. If that doesn't help, take it to a repair shop—they can fix it in seconds with professional equipment. Don't delay too long to avoid turning a minor issue into a major repair.