Auto start/stop impacted by window?

KaitlynWill

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Hi folks! I’ve been using this forum to get a lot of my Bronco Sport questions answered but this is my first thread.

I recently bought a used 2021 OuterBanks about a month ago and for the past 2 weeks, the auto start/stop hasn’t been working. It seemed to be permanently disabled. Even with all additional features turned off (radio, AC, seat warmers, everything), it still would not come on. Well two days ago, right after calling Ford to make a service appointment, it suddenly came back on when I had my window rolled down. I didn’t think anything of it until I rolled my window back up and then boom, back off again. Rolled the window down again, and voila! It came back on. I tested this theory again yesterday and now, it seems to be working again as normal, even with the window up. Haven’t driven it yet today so im not sure what will happen, but does that make any sense? Perhaps the window rolling down somehow impacted something electrical and triggered it to start working again?

To be clear, I don’t really like this function BUT I also don’t like the idea of a function on a relatively new car not working a few weeks after I’ve bought it.
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GT1

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Hi folks! I’ve been using this forum to get a lot of my Bronco Sport questions answered but this is my first thread.

I recently bought a used 2021 OuterBanks about a month ago and for the past 2 weeks, the auto start/stop hasn’t been working. It seemed to be permanently disabled. Even with all additional features turned off (radio, AC, seat warmers, everything), it still would not come on. Well two days ago, right after calling Ford to make a service appointment, it suddenly came back on when I had my window rolled down. I didn’t think anything of it until I rolled my window back up and then boom, back off again. Rolled the window down again, and voila! It came back on. I tested this theory again yesterday and now, it seems to be working again as normal, even with the window up. Haven’t driven it yet today so im not sure what will happen, but does that make any sense? Perhaps the window rolling down somehow impacted something electrical and triggered it to start working again?

To be clear, I don’t really like this function BUT I also don’t like the idea of a function on a relatively new car not working a few weeks after I’ve bought it.
Check out this post and video just before yours. Wish it was as simple as the window !
Interesting Video on Battery Management System | 2021+ Ford Bronco Sport Forum - Broncosportforum.com
 

Jrl

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Hi folks! I’ve been using this forum to get a lot of my Bronco Sport questions answered but this is my first thread.

I recently bought a used 2021 OuterBanks about a month ago and for the past 2 weeks, the auto start/stop hasn’t been working. It seemed to be permanently disabled. Even with all additional features turned off (radio, AC, seat warmers, everything), it still would not come on. Well two days ago, right after calling Ford to make a service appointment, it suddenly came back on when I had my window rolled down. I didn’t think anything of it until I rolled my window back up and then boom, back off again. Rolled the window down again, and voila! It came back on. I tested this theory again yesterday and now, it seems to be working again as normal, even with the window up. Haven’t driven it yet today so im not sure what will happen, but does that make any sense? Perhaps the window rolling down somehow impacted something electrical and triggered it to start working again?

To be clear, I don’t really like this function BUT I also don’t like the idea of a function on a relatively new car not working a few weeks after I’ve bought it.
There are so many factors that are in play with that feature , everything has to be just right for it to work , outside temps inside temps AC on or off . Me personally I really do not care for it, so I hit my start button then move 4 inches to the off button and push it , all in one motion. Just too many variables to consider if it’s working or not . I choose no . Just my two cents. Enjoy your new ride .

Ford Bronco Sport Auto start/stop impacted by window? 0A7A11C5-CC40-425B-814E-026650759ED2


Ford Bronco Sport Auto start/stop impacted by window? 9795D69D-70DD-47E9-9762-04AD11A21DB7


Ford Bronco Sport Auto start/stop impacted by window? 7B231FA4-9F13-4F03-B5A1-6A7B9D2712C2
 
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KaitlynWill

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Check out this post and video just before yours. Wish it was as simple as the window !
Interesting Video on Battery Management System | 2021+ Ford Bronco Sport Forum - Broncosportforum.com
Check out this post and video just before yours. Wish it was as simple as the window !
Interesting Video on Battery Management System | 2021+ Ford Bronco Sport Forum - Broncosportforum.com
Well that certainly explains a lot! I work from home so I’m really only driving to the gym and grocery store. The longest trip I’ve taken her on was about 1.5 hours to Palm Springs. I did wake up to a notification the other day from FordPass that said remote features had been disabled to conserve battery life, which I thought was odd. I jumped up and ran outside to make sure it would start.
 

Mark S.

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I did wake up to a notification the other day from FordPass that said remote features had been disabled to conserve battery life, which I thought was odd. I jumped up and ran outside to make sure it would start.
I can't speak to why the window up or down might affect the start/stop system, but battery voltage is absolutely a factor. As noted in the video Jim posted, the battery management system seeks to ensure you always have enough power in the battery for the next start, and that includes disabling the auto start/stop system when battery voltage is lower than normal.

One way to test if your battery is the problem: recharge it using an external charger (following the directions in the video). If your auto start/stop system isn't working with a fully charged battery then it's probably not your battery.

P.S. I can't help but think the middle finger on the shirt your avatar is wearing is strategically placed. :crackup:
 


GT1

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I can't speak to why the window up or down might affect the start/stop system, but battery voltage is absolutely a factor. As noted in the video Jim posted, the battery management system seeks to ensure you always have enough power in the battery for the next start, and that includes disabling the auto start/stop system when battery voltage is lower than normal.

One way to test if your battery is the problem: recharge it using an external charger (following the directions in the video). If your auto start/stop system isn't working with a fully charged battery then it's probably not your battery.

P.S. I can't help but think the middle finger on the shirt your avatar is wearing is strategically placed. :crackup:
From the video it seems like the calculation of battery charge is also based on the history of the battery in which case a one time charge may not average out the state of charge calculation enough. After delivery of my 21 BS BL I had an eye problem and couldn't drive for 4 months except to back the car out of the garage and run it briefly. Six months later drove 2100 highway miles in 3 days - but start stop did not work even after that. Same with charging car with battery maintainer. Per video, dealer can do a reset of the system which is probably what it takes to erase history - or new battery and reset.
 

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Don’t even use the start/stop. Shortens your battery life and feels like you get rear ended anytime it engages or disengages.
 

Petroph

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I posted a screenshot of all the listed items that could cause auto start stop to stop working. See HERE . Hope this clarifies a few things for ya.

This is quite a few things that have to be met before Auto Start Stop will function as it should. If any one of these is not met, it is disabled automatically until all conditions are met in one way or form.

Now that it is nearing the winter season and things are getting colder. The window defroster is most likely going to be the culprit 100% of the time for most.
 
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KaitlynWill

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Yep, I actually saw that when the function first stopped working. It is getting cooler in CA but not cold enough that I’d assume it would cause the AS/S to stop working. At one point, I turned off ALL extra functions, like seat warmers, AC, radio, even pulled out phone chargers, and it was a pretty warm afternoon, but I still couldn’t get it to turn on. This was before I knew about the BMS, and I made sure to make sure I was doing everything possible to meet all the required conditions. As bizarre as it sounds, ever since I rolled my window down that one time, it’s been working normally, where as prior to that, the thing would just downright NOT come on. I guess I’ve got it figured out for now. Thanks everyone!
 

magicbus

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Well that certainly explains a lot! I work from home so I’m really only driving to the gym and grocery store. The longest trip I’ve taken her on was about 1.5 hours to Palm Springs. I did wake up to a notification the other day from FordPass that said remote features had been disabled to conserve battery life, which I thought was odd. I jumped up and ran outside to make sure it would start.
This is typical for those of us who drive only short trips.
 


biglarrr

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Hi folks! I’ve been using this forum to get a lot of my Bronco Sport questions answered but this is my first thread.

I recently bought a used 2021 OuterBanks about a month ago and for the past 2 weeks, the auto start/stop hasn’t been working. It seemed to be permanently disabled. Even with all additional features turned off (radio, AC, seat warmers, everything), it still would not come on. Well two days ago, right after calling Ford to make a service appointment, it suddenly came back on when I had my window rolled down. I didn’t think anything of it until I rolled my window back up and then boom, back off again. Rolled the window down again, and voila! It came back on. I tested this theory again yesterday and now, it seems to be working again as normal, even with the window up. Haven’t driven it yet today so im not sure what will happen, but does that make any sense? Perhaps the window rolling down somehow impacted something electrical and triggered it to start working again?

To be clear, I don’t really like this function BUT I also don’t like the idea of a function on a relatively new car not working a few weeks after I’ve bought it.
My brain said you have to reply to this.
My problem may not be related at all, but see what you think.
I have a 2022 Bronco Sport OB, and Moonroof quit working in August.
I took it in for warranty repair, and - of course - they didn't have parts and told me I could have it back until the parts came in.
A few days later I noticed that the Start/Stop was no longer working. And - like you, It wasn't a big deal for me, so I decided I would wait until the parts for the window came in.
Idiot mechanic told me it won't work when it's cold. It happened to be about 40F that day, but it had been summer like for multiple days before that.
Anyway - it makes me wonder if the window motors or limit switches, or something are draining the battery and keeping Autostartstop from working. They claimed my battery was at 50% and after they charged it everything worked. I'm pretty sure I still have a problem.
 

Mark S.

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They claimed my battery was at 50% and after they charged it everything worked. I'm pretty sure I still have a problem.
There have been many reports of poor quality batteries from the factory. As far as I know, everyone who has replaced their battery solved the problem(s) that prompted the replacement.
 

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After reading all of these comments, it seems obvious to me that the battery, and not some faulty component is causing the low voltage readings, which causes Stop/Start to fail to initiate.
I asked this question to someone in a direct response to his post, but hope someone will answer who has put in a new battery.
I'm about convinced that I'm not going to get anywhere with Ford Service.
Is changing a battery still as easy as it was in pre-computer everything days.
I'm asking because when Ford replaced the drive motors on my moon roof, the notes said they had to initialize the motors.
I'm hoping that changing the battery doesn't require initialization.
Has anyone done one on their own, and was it as simple as pulling the old and hooking up the new?
 

petegee77

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Hi folks! I’ve been using this forum to get a lot of my Bronco Sport questions answered but this is my first thread.

I recently bought a used 2021 OuterBanks about a month ago and for the past 2 weeks, the auto start/stop hasn’t been working. It seemed to be permanently disabled. Even with all additional features turned off (radio, AC, seat warmers, everything), it still would not come on. Well two days ago, right after calling Ford to make a service appointment, it suddenly came back on when I had my window rolled down. I didn’t think anything of it until I rolled my window back up and then boom, back off again. Rolled the window down again, and voila! It came back on. I tested this theory again yesterday and now, it seems to be working again as normal, even with the window up. Haven’t driven it yet today so im not sure what will happen, but does that make any sense? Perhaps the window rolling down somehow impacted something electrical and triggered it to start working again?

To be clear, I don’t really like this function BUT I also don’t like the idea of a function on a relatively new car not working a few weeks after I’ve bought it.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you can figure out how to permanetly disable it let me know. I hate this feature.
 
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KaitlynWill

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From what I’ve gathered, there’s no true way to permanently disable it without installing an external device. But it sounds like eventually it’ll burn itself out.
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