Why is the Engine Start-Stop Indicator Light Flashing?
2 Answers
Automatic start-stop indicator light flashing generally indicates two situations: one is that high-power electrical appliances are in use, and the other is that the engine coolant temperature has not reached the optimal level. The engine start-stop system is a highly practical automotive energy-saving and emission-reduction technology, which can be categorized into the following two types: Basic Start-Stop Technology: Automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle encounters a red light or traffic congestion. The engine promptly restarts when the driver releases the brake pedal or depresses the clutch (or accelerator pedal). Advanced Start-Stop Technology: Incorporates brake energy recovery functionality, capable of converting part of the braking energy into electrical energy to charge the battery. In hybrid vehicles, the start-stop system serves as a crucial component of the powertrain.
Seeing the engine start-stop light flashing, I've experienced a similar situation before. This usually indicates an issue with the start-stop system, possibly due to low battery voltage since frequent start-stop cycles consume significant power. It could also be caused by dirty sensors such as the brake or speed sensors providing inaccurate signals, or software glitches requiring maintenance. In my case, replacing the aged battery solved the problem. As a temporary solution, I recommend manually disabling the start-stop function while driving to prevent system instability, then promptly visiting a professional repair shop to inspect the electrical circuits and battery health. Don't ignore minor issues as they may affect fuel efficiency or reveal more serious engine problems. Regularly test the system status during maintenance to prevent such failures.
