Start Stop and S Tronic

RichardT said:
The coasting feature of the eco setting I hate. I just don’t like the feeling of the engine not giving some braking.
I’ve only tried it once and returned to one of the other settings.
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It is odd, I have read about others having this coasting feature, but in 3020 miles, I am yet to have the engine switch off during any form of driving/coasting. It drops into "neutral", but doesn't switch off. Have used all modes including Eco many times
 
I have a manual A3 8V and if I put the car into neutral and lift clutch out and roll the car to stop the engine will cut out before the car is fully stopped. Which must mean the stop/start system is the same as an automatic just that the manual expects the clutch to be set in neutral.

What's weird though is my car will cut out the steering while the car is still moving so you can't steer & also I think the brakes don't work as effectively like the computer has switched off.

It's not dangerous as the car is only rolling at a really low speed. The engine and all power comes back on if it picks up speed immediately.
 
q5man said:
It is odd, I have read about others having this coasting feature, but in 3020 miles, I am yet to have the engine switch off during any form of driving/coasting. It drops into "neutral", but doesn't switch off. Have used all modes including Eco many times
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The engine doesn’t turn of in eco when coasting - that would be dangerous in the extreme. The transmission disconnects, just like if you put your foot on the clutch.
If you are in eco, the car will coast whenever you lift of the gas.
 
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cuke2u said:
The start stop systems are the same in both and nothing to do with different engine management systems, if I let it mine will do what is described in post #1. But if some owners can't manage the system then either place the stronic in sport or purchase a £30 dongle from here https://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/d...agen-audi/coding-interface-disable-start-stop
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If you haven’t driven a facelift S3 with start/stop - then I’m afraid you’re not qualified to comment mate. End of. It’s not about whether you’re ‘able to manage the system’ but rather the system isn’t fit for purpose in this specific Audi variant. Yes there are systems to over-ride, and that’s what we’re discussing. Enjoy your A4, and your dongle.
 
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RichardT said:
The engine doesn’t turn of in eco when coasting - that would be dangerous in the extreme. The transmission disconnects, just like if you put your foot on the clutch.
If you are in eco, the car will coast whenever you lift of the gas.
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I would have thought that, but others on the forum have said their cars actually drop in to the "ready" zone on the revs, so powered off. I never thought this would be the case (can't for the life of me find that thread, so maybe I am losing the plot)
 
q5man said:
I would have thought that, but others on the forum have said their cars actually drop in to the "ready" zone on the revs, so powered off. I never thought this would be the case (can't for the life of me find that thread, so maybe I am losing the plot)
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Not quite certain what you mean by “ready zone”. But obviously the revs will drop right off, but the engine needs to keep going to maintain steering and brakes (usually quite important :whistle2:)
 
RichardT said:
Not quite certain what you mean by “ready zone”. But obviously the revs will drop right off, but the engine needs to keep going to maintain steering and brakes (usually quite important :whistle2:)
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He means on the rev counter it drops from idle 900rpm to ready as opposed to zero revs which is what it did on the pre-face lift but people kept thinking it had cut out completely so Audi put the ready bit on the clock when it went into start/stop mode - Funny really but that's how society has become
 
Sparks43 said:
He means on the rev counter it drops from idle 900rpm to ready as opposed to zero revs which is what it did on the pre-face lift but people kept thinking it had cut out completely so Audi put the ready bit on the clock when it went into start/stop mode - Funny really but that's how society has become
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Exactly, that is what I meant, and agree completely (wish I could find the other thread!) engine should always be running to maintain power in brakes/steering :racer:
 
q5man said:
Exactly, that is what I meant, and agree completely (wish I could find the other thread!) engine should always be running to maintain power in brakes/steering :racer:
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Yes it's new to the facelift model (on the S3 anyway) - Under 3 mph start/stop will kick in which means the steering and engine are not running but if you are just edging forward to turn right it can be quite disconcerting waiting for the engine to kick back in - I just switch to S or manual if I know I'm about to make this type of manoeuvre - Lots of people have complained about this but it's in the manual so not a fault just bad design (well in my opinion anyway) - Start/stop should be when you've stopped like a manual when you choose to put in neutral and lift the clutch up although superkid has pointed out it does stop in the manual if you put in neutral and let the clutch out whilst still rolling under 3 mph as well
 
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Thanks, but not talking about this particular scenario, but FINALLY found the thread.

This was the comment I was talking about:

"Had my new 2.0TFSI for just over a week. Coming down a very long gentle decent in Efficiency mode the car freewheels/coasts along then to my surprise at around 50mph the stop/start cuts in so the engine stops and the green A symbol shows. Tacho drops to READY position. Car steers ok so I'm still in control. Is it meant to do this or is it a fault? It's now done it at least 4 times!"

https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threa...g-then-stop-start-engine.370913/#post-3247213


And explained here: https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en...ile-and-efficient-mild-hybrid-technology-8761

I personally have NEVER had my engone cut (so rev drops to ready), in the 3000+ miles I have done.
Later in the thread it talks about the intelligent coasting downhill etc, which I do have and rate.
 
q5man said:
Thanks, but not talking about this particular scenario, but FINALLY found the thread.

This was the comment I was talking about:

"Had my new 2.0TFSI for just over a week. Coming down a very long gentle decent in Efficiency mode the car freewheels/coasts along then to my surprise at around 50mph the stop/start cuts in so the engine stops and the green A symbol shows. Tacho drops to READY position. Car steers ok so I'm still in control. Is it meant to do this or is it a fault? It's now done it at least 4 times!"

https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threa...g-then-stop-start-engine.370913/#post-3247213


And explained here: https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en...ile-and-efficient-mild-hybrid-technology-8761

I personally have NEVER had my engone cut (so rev drops to ready), in the 3000+ miles I have done.
Later in the thread it talks about the intelligent coasting downhill etc, which I do have and rate.
Click to expand...

Oh right - I couldn't tell you as I've never used ECO I only have mine in Dynamic lol
 
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lol - agree there, but have tried all modes as you do, but tend to keep in individual, giving me dynamic steering etc, but auto on s-tronic
I did however try eco to see if I got the same, but then probably haven't coasted down a hill for the 40+ secs they say for engine to switch off.
 
Jimbob76 said:
Having had my S3 for about 6 weeks now the start/stop function is the one thing that actually makes me shout at the car. It is way too sensitive, and while I’m trying to train myself to switch the damn thing off as part of my start up routine, there are inevitably occasions when I forget.

My wife’s MINI Cooper also has start/stop, but being manual you still have to lift your foot off the clutch when you’ve come to a stop for it to kick in. This still gives you a choice regarding when YOU decide to activate it.

I know that you if you break gently to a stop in the S3, then it won’t cut the engine, and I know that it’s also disabled if you pat the gearstick to the left and put yourself in manual mode, but honestly - I hear you Ron, it frustrates the hell out of me.

DJAlix’s memory module solution looks like the best solution out there. And next time I’m in North London I’ll definitely be giving him a shout!
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I'd recommend just grabbing a carista, it's only £16 with a month trial so you can perm disable it.
 
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Cheers @Kondax - I have considered Carista, and I know people have used it for this purpose on pre-face lift 8v’s, but I was under the impression it didn’t allow you to disable start/stop on facelift models. If that’s not the case and you can - then I’d love to know!
 
Jimbob76 said:
If you haven’t driven a facelift S3 with start/stop - then I’m afraid you’re not qualified to comment mate. End of. It’s not about whether you’re ‘able to manage the system’ but rather the system isn’t fit for purpose in this specific Audi variant. Yes there are systems to over-ride, and that’s what we’re discussing. Enjoy your A4, and your dongle.
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Without wishing to upset you the B9 A4 was the first car to be fitted with the newer incarnation of the start stop system, and coasting, as is now fitted to the fl A3. If you wish to believe the system is different in the S3 then the only person you are kidding is yourself. The start stop system is what it is, irrespective of what engine it is used with and it is now being installed in many incarnations of A cars. That is the end of it, and I have no use for a dongle, mate either but at least I contributed something to this thread that was relevent to it. If you think the system isn't fit for the purpose then that is your opinion, but only a opinion...
 
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cuke2u said:
If you think the system isn't fit for the purpose then that is your opinion, but only a opinion...
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I am of a very similar opinion.
While it does serve a useful purpose.....the way it operates with the automatic gearbox to put it politely leaves a lot to be desired.
It is not simply a case of "some owners can't manage the system" like you say...because too many people are having exactly the same problems so this puts the majority of blame with Audi and the way they have chosen to implement the system.
I don't want to drive around with my car constantly in Sport which uses too much fuel....I simply press the button to disable Start Stop, but sometimes I forget. I would rather not mess about with my cars electronics either.
Surely it is not too much to ask for the Start Stop system to behave in a much more logical manner like it does with manual cars.
 
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Jimbob76 said:
Cheers @Kondax - I have considered Carista, and I know people have used it for this purpose on pre-face lift 8v’s, but I was under the impression it didn’t allow you to disable start/stop on facelift models. If that’s not the case and you can - then I’d love to know!
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Ah apologies mate I'm not actually sure for FL models, only know that it works for PFL
 
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I’m far from upset @cuke2u - just enjoying a lively debate :thumbs up:

All opinions very welcome and the fact that our opinions don’t align just makes the discussion more interesting!

Genuinely - thanks for your input to the discussion. I don’t agree with you - some will, others won’t. Live long and prosper my friend.
 
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Kondax said:
Ah apologies mate I'm not actually sure for FL models, only know that it works for PFL
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I would email them before buying: support@caristaapp.com

Works for some functions on my new Q5, but haven't tried disabling start/stop as has not p*ssed me off like it is others on this thread
 
Ron240 said:
I am of a very similar opinion.
While it does serve a useful purpose.....the way it operates with the automatic gearbox to put it politely leaves a lot to be desired.
It is not simply a case of "some owners can't manage the system" like you say...because too many people are having exactly the same problems so this puts the majority of blame with Audi and the way they have chosen to implement the system.
I don't want to drive around with my car constantly in Sport which uses too much fuel....I simply press the button to disable Start Stop, but sometimes I forget. I would rather not mess about with my cars electronics either.
Surely it is not too much to ask for the Start Stop system to behave in a much more logical manner like it does with manual cars.
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I can really see your point but unfortunately you aren't going to change what Audi do by complaining about it in this forum though. I was only trying to suggest options for you to work around it if you couldn't yourself. I can assure you that the device, or dongle, that Kufatec supply is safe to use and very easy to install. I have read of owners with very little, or none, technical knowledge using it.
Just trying to bring you back to enjoying your motor again.....
 
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