What does the i-stop indicator on the Mazda dashboard mean?
3 Answers
Mazda dashboard showing i-stop refers to the Idling Stop System, an automatic start-stop system for the engine. This system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop during driving and restarts it when it's time to move again. The Mazda Atenza measures 4870mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1445mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2830mm. It features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. The vehicle is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 116kW and a maximum torque of 202Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
I also encountered the situation where the i-stop indicator on the dashboard lit up that day. This is actually Mazda's exclusive intelligent stop-start system at work. When the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the system automatically shuts off the engine to save fuel, and instantly restarts it when you start moving again. However, note that a yellow light indicates a problem, which could be due to low battery voltage or the air conditioning operating at high intensity. Last time I noticed it wouldn't function until the coolant temperature reached 70 degrees - quite smart indeed. Remember to regularly check the battery condition, especially in cold weather when it's more likely to trigger the warning light. Also, turning off the function during frequent stop-start situations can actually protect the starter motor.
Mazda owners should be familiar with the i-stop function. When this symbol appears on the dashboard, it indicates the start-stop system is on standby. At first, I found this feature quite novel, but later realized the engine would shut off when braking hard, whereas lightly pressing the brake wouldn't trigger it. However, it's advisable to temporarily turn it off in heavy traffic, as frequent restarts can be annoying. In car owner groups, many say that for cars over three years old, a yellow light often indicates a battery issue—replacing the battery usually clears the fault light. Remember, the system automatically deactivates when starting in air conditioning priority mode.
